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Casualties unknown

Wind Shift During Touchdown Leads to Aborted Landing and Collision with Trees (N9418L)

Madison, CT, US

On July 18, 1998, an American AA-1A (registration N9418L) was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Was the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing. A factor was the winds which were variable and gusty. 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 aborted landing after multiple bounces caused by a wind shift. While climbing, the airplane struck trees and descended into a swamp.

Landing and Wind Shift

The pilot was landing on runway 6 with the wind reported from 360 degrees at approximately 15 knots. Just as the airplane touched down, the wind shifted to 240 degrees at the same velocity.

Aborted Landing

Following the wind shift, the airplane was observed to bounce multiple times. In response, the pilot added power to abort the landing. As the airplane became airborne, the right wing was low and the airplane turned right.

Collision with Terrain

The airplane then struck trees and descended on its right side into a swamp.

The investigation did not determine a probable cause for this accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 1998 American AA-1A accident near Madison, CT?

A pilot aborted landing after multiple bounces caused by a wind shift. While climbing, the airplane struck trees and descended into a swamp.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 1998 involved an American AA-1A, registration N9418L, at Madison, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Was the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing. A factor was the winds which were variable and gusty.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10678. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.