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Casualties unknown

Pilot Performs Go-Around During Crosswind Landing, Strikes Parked Aircraft (N475C)

Newberryport, MA, US

On August 23, 2000, an Aviat A-1B (registration N475C) operated by David J. Murphy was involved in an aviation accident near Newberryport, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during landing and a subsequent rejected landing. Factors were the crosswind, and the delayed corrective action by the pilot. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a wheel landing in a crosswind, the pilot initiated a go-around after the airplane became 'squirrelly.' The airplane departed the runway at a 30-degree angle and struck a parked airplane 345 feet away.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a wheel landing with a 90-degree crosswind of about 8 knots from the left, the airplane became 'squirrelly' as the tail wheel was being lowered and the flaps were raised. The pilot added power to perform a go-around, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

The airplane continued for 345 feet after leaving the runway, maintaining a 30-degree angle relative to the runway centerline, until it struck a parked airplane. Continuous tire tracks from the accident airplane were observed from the runway to the accident site.

Passenger Account

A pilot-rated passenger in the airplane reported that he told the front seat pilot to cut the power when the airplane departed the runway. Receiving no response, he manually closed the throttle before impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 2000 Aviat A-1B accident near Newberryport, MA?

During a wheel landing in a crosswind, the pilot initiated a go-around after the airplane became 'squirrelly.' The airplane departed the runway at a 30-degree angle and struck a parked airplane 345 feet away.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 2000 involved an Aviat A-1B, registration N475C, operated by David J. Murphy, at Newberryport, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during landing and a subsequent rejected landing. Factors were the crosswind, and the delayed corrective action by the pilot.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21846. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.