On October 24, 1999, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7118H) was involved in an aviation accident near Orange, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of directional control due to a sudden wind shift during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane ground-looped upon touchdown due to a sudden wind shift, causing it to leave the runway surface.
What happened
The flight proceeded without incident during the approach phase. Upon touchdown on the active runway, the wind direction shifted approximately 50 degrees. This sudden change in wind velocity pushed the tail of the aircraft to the left. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, resulting in a ground loop to the right. The airplane subsequently departed the paved surface of the runway.
Safety message
The active runway was changed to the opposite direction immediately after the accident occurred.
Probable cause
Loss of directional control due to a sudden wind shift during landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Oct 1999 Piper PA-12 accident near Orange, MA?
A tailwheel-equipped airplane ground-looped upon touchdown due to a sudden wind shift, causing it to leave the runway surface.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Oct 1999 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N7118H, at Orange, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of directional control due to a sudden wind shift during landing.
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