Casualties unknown

1997-04-23: Piper PA-32R-300 (N1321H) — Edwin A. Deas — Augusta, GA

Augusta, GA, US

On April 23, 1997, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N1321H) operated by Edwin A. Deas was involved in an aviation accident near Augusta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: flight by the pilot into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control during the landing flare, and collision with the terrain. The adverse weather with nearby thunderstorm activity, crosswind, and gusts was a related factor. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing in gusty crosswinds and windshear, the pilot lost directional control after flaring at 10-15 feet. The airplane landed hard, skidded off the runway, and all landing gear collapsed.

Incident Overview

The pilot was conducting a landing in known gusty crosswinds and windshear conditions at the destination airport. On final approach, the tower controller advised the pilot of thunderstorm activity and gusty wind conditions, reporting the wind as 260 degrees at 56 knots.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated the flare at an altitude of approximately 10 to 15 feet. At that point, the airplane encountered a strong gusty wind, causing the aircraft to turn to the right. The pilot subsequently lost directional control. The airplane then made a hard landing, after which it skidded off the runway. The impact and subsequent skid resulted in the collapse of all landing gear.

Conditions

The approach and landing were conducted in the presence of thunderstorm activity and gusty wind conditions. The reported wind direction and speed were 260 degrees at 56 knots, which contributed to the challenging crosswind and windshear environment.

Aftermath

As a result of the hard landing and runway excursion, the landing gear of the airplane collapsed. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, occupants, or injuries. The investigation focused on the pilot's loss of directional control while flaring in gusty crosswind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07796. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.