Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Weathervanes on Downwind Landing, Loses Control During Go-Around (N91930)

Mcgregor, TX, US

On November 2, 1992, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N91930) operated by Robinson, James R. was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgregor, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADVERTENT STALL BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY, AND THE 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot's airplane weathervaned into the wind during a downwind landing. After adding power to abort, the pilot turned toward a powerline but stalled, impacting the ground inverted.

Incident Overview

During a landing attempt, the airplane weathervaned into the wind while on the landing roll following a downwind landing. The student pilot, who was flying solo, added power to abort the landing.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane initiated an initial climb, it was headed toward a powerline. The pilot executed a right turn to avoid the obstruction. However, during the turn, the airspeed was insufficient to sustain flight, resulting in a loss of control. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest in an inverted position.

Reported Wind Conditions

The pilot reported the wind as coming from 240 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16034. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.