Aircraft veers off runway and strikes parked planes at St. Louis

Casualties unknown • Fenton, MO, US

A pilot attempted a go-around at St. Louis after a crosswind misaligned the aircraft, resulting in a collision with four parked airplanes.

What happened

During final approach, approximately 50 feet above the ground, a left crosswind caused the aircraft to become misaligned with the Runway 36 centerline. In an effort to realign the plane, the pilot increased power; however, this resulted in a roll to the right.

The pilot then applied full power to initiate a go-around, but the left wing rose rapidly toward a near vertical attitude. The aircraft veered off the right side of the runway and crossed a taxiway, where it struck four parked airplanes. Following the impact, a small ground fire occurred. There were no fatalities reported.

The investigation

During the investigation, the pilot noted that the right engine did not respond to applied power during the go-around attempt. However, a post-accident examination of the airframe and engines revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunction occurring prior to the impact.

Weather conditions reported at St. Louis, Missouri, located 15 miles north-northeast of the accident site, consisted of winds from 310 degrees at 10 to 14 knots.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to realign with the runway centerline following a crosswind-induced misalignment led to an improper go-around attempt and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-09-15 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Fenton, MO?

A pilot attempted a go-around at St. Louis after a crosswind misaligned the aircraft, resulting in a collision with four parked airplanes.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-09-15 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N3084T, operated by Skyline Aviation, at Fenton, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to realign with the runway centerline following a crosswind-induced misalignment led to an improper go-around attempt and subsequent loss of control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13374. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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