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Engine Mount Failure During Landing After VOR Approach (N62951)

Brewer, ME, US

On March 19, 1992, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N62951) operated by North Central Airways, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Brewer, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CORRECT AN EXCESSIVE DESCENT RATE DURING FLARE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot completed a VOR approach to runway 11 and encountered gusty crosswinds during flare, resulting in a hard landing that broke the left engine mounts. The engine remained attached by cables. The pilot cleared the runway without further incident.

Approach and Descent

The pilot had just completed a VOR approach to runway 11 and descended below the base of the clouds. A wind sock near the runway indicated a left-to-right crosswind.

Landing and Impact

As the pilot flared for touchdown, he encountered a gust of wind. He corrected, then experienced a second gust. The airplane struck the runway with enough force to break the engine mounts on the left engine. The engine dropped to the runway but remained attached by cables and wires.

Post-Landing Actions

The pilot slowed the airplane and vacated the runway at the nearest intersection, exiting without further incident. Winds reported at an airfield 13 miles to the southeast were north at 3 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Mar 1992 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Brewer, ME?

A pilot completed a VOR approach to runway 11 and encountered gusty crosswinds during flare, resulting in a hard landing that broke the left engine mounts. The engine remained attached by cables. The pilot cleared the runway without further incident.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Mar 1992 Piper PA-31-350 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Mar 1992 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N62951, operated by North Central Airways, Inc, at Brewer, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CORRECT AN EXCESSIVE DESCENT RATE DURING FLARE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14247. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.