On October 25, 1992, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2503L) operated by Nancie L. Waldron was involved in an aviation accident near Monroeville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot with limited experience attempted to land on a narrow runway amid gusty crosswinds, resulting in a go-around and subsequent collision with trees upon exiting the paved surface.
What happened
The pilot attempted to land on Runway 05 at an airport where the pavement width was only 28 feet. Conditions were challenging, with winds reported from 330 degrees at 14 knots and gusts reaching 22 knots. The pilot noted that the wind direction was erratic, forcing him to execute several go-arounds before finally achieving touchdown.
Once the aircraft touched down, it immediately veered to the left, leaving the runway surface. The airplane then struck trees located near the edge of the airfield. The pilot had accumulated a total of 56 flight hours at the time of the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking trees.