On June 14, 2000, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3846M) was involved in an aviation accident near Dutch John, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing roll due to wind gusts exceeding 30 knots that varied significantly from the runway heading, which caused the aircraft to depart the runway and strike a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing roll after a cross-country flight, strong wind gusts caused the aircraft to leave the runway and strike a tree, resulting in damage to the right wing structure.
What happened
The incident occurred during the landing roll phase of a cross-country flight. As the aircraft was completing its approach and touching down, it encountered significant wind conditions. Specifically, wind gusts exceeded 30 knots. These gusts were not steady; they varied by 15 to 20 degrees from the runway heading, creating unpredictable lateral forces on the airframe.
Due to these challenging wind conditions, the aircraft was unable to maintain its position on the paved surface. It departed the right side of the runway. Immediately after leaving the runway environment, the aircraft struck a tree. The impact with the tree resulted in structural damage to the right wing and the right lift strut.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing roll due to wind gusts exceeding 30 knots that varied significantly from the runway heading, which caused the aircraft to depart the runway and strike a tree.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Jun 2000 Piper PA-12 accident near Dutch John, UT?
During landing roll after a cross-country flight, strong wind gusts caused the aircraft to leave the runway and strike a tree, resulting in damage to the right wing structure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 2000 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N3846M, at Dutch John, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing roll due to wind gusts exceeding 30 knots that varied significantly from the runway heading, which caused the aircraft to depart the runway and strike a tree.
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