Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Downwind Landing, Strikes Residence After Go-Around (N7950W)

Mount Airy, NC, US

On November 28, 1993, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N7950W) operated by Jewell, James M. was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Airy, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO LAND DOWNWIND, FAILURE TO CONTROL THE AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND, AND HIS DECISION TO ABORT THE LANDING AFTER LOSS OF CONTROL AND DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a downwind landing, an aircraft veered right off the runway, struck a rock wall, and separated its right main landing gear. The pilot aborted and became airborne, then impacted a residence half a mile east.

Accident Sequence

The pilot conducted a downwind landing. After touchdown, the aircraft veered to the right and departed the runway surface. The propeller produced ten horizontal slash marks in the sod, located 20 feet to the right of the runway edge.

The aircraft then struck a rock wall at the bottom of a drainage ditch situated between the taxiway and the runway. The impact separated the right main landing gear from the aircraft.

Following the ground contact, the pilot decided to abort the landing, added engine power, and succeeded in becoming airborne. Witnesses observed the aircraft turning left with a nose-down attitude as it disappeared from view.

The aircraft subsequently collided with a residence located approximately half a mile east of the runway.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

No information regarding aircraft type, registration, or pilot details was provided in the source.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained damage including separation of the right main landing gear. The residence was impacted; the source does not specify the extent of damage or injuries.

Probable Cause

The source did not assign a probable cause for the accident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Nov 1993 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Mount Airy, NC?

During a downwind landing, an aircraft veered right off the runway, struck a rock wall, and separated its right main landing gear. The pilot aborted and became airborne, then impacted a residence half a mile east.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Nov 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7950W, operated by Jewell, James M., at Mount Airy, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO LAND DOWNWIND, FAILURE TO CONTROL THE AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND, AND HIS DECISION TO ABORT THE LANDING AFTER LOSS OF CONTROL AND DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE GUSTY TAIL WIND AT THE TIME OF LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13680. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.