Casualties unknown

1999-09-19: Piper PA-32-300 (N323DT) — Rifle, CO

Rifle, CO, US

On September 19, 1999, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N323DT) was involved in an aviation accident near Rifle, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing roll. Factors were the strong crosswind weather conditions, and the runway sign that the airplane impacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 pilot landing at an airport near Las Vegas experienced a gust that pushed the aircraft left into a runway sign after two landing attempts in deteriorating weather with winds gusting to 35 knots.

Incident Details

A pilot reported that while attempting to land at an airport along his route to Las Vegas, Nevada, deteriorating weather conditions prompted him to seek a landing to let the weather pass. According to the pilot, the airport's unicom had broadcast winds from 340 degrees at 30 knots, gusting to 35 knots. A witness observed the pilot make an initial landing attempt on runway 26, which resulted in a go-around. The witness noted that weather conditions were worsening and saw the airplane make a second landing attempt.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that during the second landing, he touched down on the left side of the runway. He reported that a gust seemed to have kicked the aircraft further to the left, and it subsequently struck a runway sign. No further details about the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.

Witness Account

A witness recounted that the pilot first attempted to land on runway 26 but executed a go-around. As weather conditions continued to deteriorate, the witness observed the airplane make a second approach and landing. The witness did not provide additional information about the outcome beyond the pilot's account of the sign strike.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19744. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.