1992-09-05: Piper PA-22T — Wilkes,jay W. — Headland, AL

Casualties unknown • Headland, AL, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EVALUATION OF WIND CONDITIONS AND SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A GUSTING TAIL WIND.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT AND A PASSENGER, ALSO A PILOT, WERE CONDUCTING TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS TO RUNWAY 27. ON THE THIRD LANDING ROLL, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A WIND GUST AND THE AIRPLANE STARTED A LEFT DRIFT OFF THE RUNWAY; THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE DRIFT, BUT HE ALSO FAILED. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED OFF THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DIRT BANK. THE PREVAILING WIND AT A NEARBY AIRPORT WAS OUT OF THE EAST GUSTING TO 15 KNOTS. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED BY THE PILOT.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-09-05 Piper PA-22T accident near Headland, AL?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-09-05 involved a Piper PA-22T, registration N8098C, operated by Wilkes,jay W., at Headland, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EVALUATION OF WIND CONDITIONS AND SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A GUSTING TAIL WIND.

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