Casualties unknown

Gust of Wind Causes Loss of Control During Landing (N3947Z)

Sidney, NE, US

On March 16, 2001, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N3947Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Sidney, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. A factor relating to this accident was the berm. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing on runway 12 experienced a gust of wind lifting the main landing gear. After applying full power and correcting attitude, the airplane drifted, struck a berm, and bounced.

Accident Narrative

The pilot executed a three-point landing on runway 12. The airplane rolled solidly on all three wheels for approximately 30 to 50 feet before a gust of wind lifted the main landing gear off the ground. In response, the pilot momentarily applied full power and brought the airplane to a level attitude. The airplane then contacted the runway with a left-to-right drift. The pilot reapplied full power as the drift continued. The rotation to the right stopped when the airplane was approximately 80 degrees to the runway heading.

Pilot Actions

With full power still applied, the pilot attempted to fly away level. The airplane contacted a three-foot-high berm, causing it to bounce into a nose-high attitude. The pilot then pushed the nose over, and the airplane contacted the ground.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. The wind conditions reported at the time of the accident were 150 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010322X00634. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.