On April 22, 1996, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N4883S) was involved in an aviation accident near Aitkin, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in high crosswind conditions, which led to the aircraft veering off the runway into a snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft veered right into a snowbank upon landing on runway 16 during strong westerly winds, sustaining substantial damage to the airframe.
What happened
The pilot attempted to land the airplane on runway 16 under windy conditions. The pilot reported that the wind was coming from the west at speeds between 28 and 30 mph. During the landing roll, the aircraft lost directional control and veered to the right, leaving the paved surface and striking a snowbank. This impact resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
Findings
Meteorological data indicates that conditions were significantly more stable prior to the accident. Approximately 45 minutes before the event, the wind was recorded from 280 degrees at 8 knots with gusts reaching 18 knots. The rapid increase in wind speed and potential shift in direction likely contributed to the loss of control during the critical landing phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in high crosswind conditions, which led to the aircraft veering off the runway into a snowbank.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Apr 1996 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Aitkin, MN?
An aircraft veered right into a snowbank upon landing on runway 16 during strong westerly winds, sustaining substantial damage to the airframe.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Apr 1996 Piper PA-32-260 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Apr 1996 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N4883S, at Aitkin, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in high crosswind conditions, which led to the aircraft veering off the runway into a snowbank.
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