On January 31, 1993, a Cessna 210D (registration N3980Y) operated by Thomas F. Griffin was involved in an aviation accident near Douglas, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY BASED ON INACCURATE WIND INFORMATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing on Runway 21, an aircraft ballooned, veered right, exited the runway, hit a berm, and nosed over. The airport manager reported winds from the south-southeast at 20 knots gusting 30, while the pilot had obtained winds from a neighboring airport as 260° at 8 knots.
Incident Overview
A pilot arriving at Douglas Municipal Airport found that no UNICOM services were available. He radioed a Flight Service Station (FSS) and received current wind information from a neighboring airport, which reported winds from 260 degrees at 8 knots. Based on that data, the pilot selected Runway 21 for landing.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, the aircraft ballooned slightly, then lifted again and turned to the right. It touched down to the right of the runway in a dirt area, where it collided with a berm and nosed over.
Weather Discrepancy
According to the airport manager, the winds at the time of the accident were from the south-southeast at 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots—a significant difference from the information the pilot had received from the neighboring airport.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Jan 1993 Cessna 210D accident near Douglas, AZ?
After landing on Runway 21, an aircraft ballooned, veered right, exited the runway, hit a berm, and nosed over. The airport manager reported winds from the south-southeast at 20 knots gusting 30, while the pilot had obtained winds from a neighboring airport as 260° at 8 knots.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Jan 1993 involved a Cessna 210D, registration N3980Y, operated by Thomas F. Griffin, at Douglas, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY BASED ON INACCURATE WIND INFORMATION.