Runway excursion and tree strike following wind gust

Casualties unknown • Falmouth, MA, US

A pilot aborted an initial landing attempt before a second attempt resulted in the aircraft departing the right side of the runway and striking a tree.

What happened

At the time of departure, winds were favoring runway 25. Approximately 90 minutes later, the pilot returned to the airport. Prior to the landing sequence, the pilot monitored the automated terminal information service (ATIS) from an airport located on an island roughly 13 miles to the south, which indicated a direct crosswind for runway 25.

The pilot performed an initial landing attempt but aborted the maneuver due to excessive airspeed. During a second landing attempt, the aircraft touched down, but a gust of wind pushed the empennage to the left. This caused the airplane to depart the right side of the runway and strike a tree.

Following the accident, the pilot noted that while a windsock near the trees appeared limp prior to landing, the windsock located on top of a hangar indicated winds were favoring runway 07. Furthermore, ATIS information from an airport approximately 13 miles to the east indicated a quartering tailwind of 13 to 19 knots.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on runway 25 despite wind conditions that favored runway 07, combined with a wind gust that caused the aircraft to depart the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-04-05 Stinson 108-3 accident near Falmouth, MA?

A pilot aborted an initial landing attempt before a second attempt resulted in the aircraft departing the right side of the runway and striking a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-04-05 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N980C, at Falmouth, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land on runway 25 despite wind conditions that favored runway 07, combined with a wind gust that caused the aircraft to depart the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010409X00721. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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