No fatalities

Wing Strike During Go-Around After Wind Gust on Final Approach (N9349U)

Bellingham, WA, US

On June 15, 1999, a Cessna 150M (registration N9349U) operated by Alpha Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Bellingham, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Compensation for wind conditions was inadequate. Gusting wind conditions was a factor. 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

A flight instructor reported that during a go-around initiated after a wind gust pushed the airplane to the runway edge, a second gust caused a wing strike. The airplane came to rest next to the runway.

Incident Details

A flight instructor reported that while on final approach, with a student pilot at the controls, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right side of the runway edge when the airplane was approximately 30 feet above the runway. The flight instructor then took over control of the airplane and initiated a go-around. During the go-around, another gust of wind hit the airplane, causing the right wing to tip up and the left wing to contact the ground. Subsequently, the right wing dipped down and also contacted the ground. The airplane then nosed down and came to rest next to the runway.

Weather Conditions

The flight instructor later recalled that while on final approach, the wind sock on the south end of the runway was indicating wind from 170 degrees to 190 degrees, with a wind velocity of 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots. However, the wind sock on the approach end was limp.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jun 1999 Cessna 150M accident near Bellingham, WA?

A flight instructor reported that during a go-around initiated after a wind gust pushed the airplane to the runway edge, a second gust caused a wing strike. The airplane came to rest next to the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jun 1999 Cessna 150M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jun 1999 involved a Cessna 150M, registration N9349U, operated by Alpha Aviation, at Bellingham, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Compensation for wind conditions was inadequate. Gusting wind conditions was a factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19116. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.