Casualties unknown

Pilot Diverts for Weather, Encounters Windshear and Crosswind on Approach to Heber City (N1379R)

Heber City, UT, US

On July 2, 1993, a Grumman AA-5 (registration N1379R) was involved in an aviation accident near Heber City, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT DURING THE GO-AROUND. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE RELATED FACTORS. 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 diverted to Heber City due to lightning on route. On final, severe windshear and crosswind at 75 ft AGL caused the airplane to settle short of the runway. After a bounce and continued go-around, the airplane yawed off the runway, struck a fence post with a wing tip, and impacted terrain.

Flight Diversion and Weather

The pilot was in flight when light turbulence was encountered and lightning was observed on the intended route. To avoid the weather, the pilot diverted to Heber City.

Final Approach and Windshear

During the final approach to land, the airplane experienced severe windshear and a crosswind at approximately 75 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot initiated a go-around, but the airplane continued to settle and touched down short of the runway, bouncing back into the air.

Go-Around and Runway Excursion

The pilot continued the go-around, but the airplane then yawed and drifted off the side of the runway. Subsequently, a wing tip struck a fence post, and the airplane impacted terrain, resulting in damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1993 Grumman AA-5 accident near Heber City, UT?

A pilot diverted to Heber City due to lightning on route. On final, severe windshear and crosswind at 75 ft AGL caused the airplane to settle short of the runway. After a bounce and continued go-around, the airplane yawed off the runway, struck a fence post with a wing tip, and impacted terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1993 involved a Grumman AA-5, registration N1379R, at Heber City, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT DURING THE GO-AROUND. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE RELATED FACTORS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13001. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.