Casualties unknown

2000-03-26: Piper PA28R-200 (N55820) — Lehighton, PA

Lehighton, PA, US

On March 26, 2000, a Piper PA28R-200 (registration N55820) was involved in an aviation accident near Lehighton, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind. A factor in this accident was the gusty crosswind condition. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane bounced during landing on Runway 26, drifted south, then climbed, rolled left, and crashed inverted into trees about 1,000 feet beyond the runway. Post-crash fire consumed portions of the wreckage.

Accident Sequence

The airplane was landing on Runway 26, a 3,000-foot-long, 50-foot-wide asphalt runway. A witness observed the airplane touchdown while still crabbed approximately 30 degrees into the wind. The airplane bounced about 10 feet into the air and began to drift to the south side of the runway. The witness heard full power being applied to the engine, and the engine seemed to respond normally. The airplane was observed to climb slightly, roll to the left, and descend into trees inverted. The airplane came to rest inverted in a wooded area, about 1,000 feet beyond the approach end of the runway and 625 feet to the left of the runway centerline. Portions of the wreckage, including the main cabin, were consumed by a post-crash fire.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact failures of the airframe or engine.

Wind Conditions

Winds reported at airports about 20 miles east-southeast and 31 miles south-southwest of the accident site were from 290 degrees at 16 knots with 21 knots gusts, and from 300 degrees at 22 knots with 30 knot gusts, respectively.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20721. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.