Casualties unknown

1999-06-15: Cessna 150M (N9349U) — Alpha Aviation — Bellingham, WA

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. 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 1781061362Data 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.

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.