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Casualties unknown

Pilot Abandons First Landing, Strikes Tree on Second Attempt After Gust (N980C)

Falmouth, MA, US

On April 5, 2001, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N980C) was involved in an aviation accident near Falmouth, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Factors were the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and a tailwind. 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

A pilot aborted the first landing attempt due to excessive speed, then struck a tree on the second landing after a gust pushed the airplane left of the runway.

Incident Details

Upon departure, the wind was favoring runway 25. About 90 minutes later, the pilot returned to the airport for landing. Before landing, he monitored the automated terminal information service (ATIS) of another airport located about 13 miles south. That ATIS indicated a direct crosswind for runway 25.

The pilot aborted his first landing attempt because he was too fast. During the second landing attempt, the airplane touched down, but a gust of wind pushed the empennage to the left. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and struck a tree.

Pilot's Account

The pilot added that before landing, the windsock near the trees appeared "limp," but he did not recall the position of the windsock on top of a hangar. After the accident, the pilot observed the windsock on top of the hangar, and the winds were favoring runway 07. The pilot stated that in retrospect he should have landed on runway 07.

Wind Conditions

Additionally, the ATIS information at an airport located about 13 miles to the east indicated a quartering tailwind of 13 to 19 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 2001 Stinson 108-3 accident near Falmouth, MA?

A pilot aborted the first landing attempt due to excessive speed, then struck a tree on the second landing after a gust pushed the airplane left of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 2001 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N980C, at Falmouth, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Factors were the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and a tailwind.

More accident analyses

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.