Aircraft Stall and Impact Following Crosswind Encounter

Casualties unknown • Healdsburg, CA, US

An aircraft experienced a stall and impacted terrain during the initial climb phase after encountering unfavorable crosswind conditions near a runway windsock.

What happened

During the climb-out phase, the aircraft encountered a crosswind at an altitude of approximately 30 feet above the runway. The runway is located on a plateau, and a windsock is positioned at the departure end of the runway on a 30-foot steel pole.

Due to these unfavorable wind conditions, the pilot was unable to maintain alignment with the runway, and the aircraft failed to gain altitude. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) took control of the yoke in an attempt to maintain both airspeed and altitude while navigating to avoid a nearby vineyard.

The crew noted that there was a lack of suitable terrain or airport environment available for a forced landing, and the aircraft remained unable to climb. In an effort to avoid striking the windsock on the 30-foot pole, the CFI increased the pitch of the aircraft. This maneuver resulted in an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to impact a grassy area located approximately 100 feet from the runway edge and roughly 20 feet below the airport elevation. The occupants were not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to raise the nose to avoid the windsock led to an aerodynamic stall during a period of insufficient altitude and unfavorable crosswind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-04-27 Piper J3C-65 accident near Healdsburg, CA?

An aircraft experienced a stall and impacted terrain during the initial climb phase after encountering unfavorable crosswind conditions near a runway windsock.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-04-27 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N146TM, operated by Thomas Noonan, at Healdsburg, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to raise the nose to avoid the windsock led to an aerodynamic stall during a period of insufficient altitude and unfavorable crosswind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20865. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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