No fatalities

Nose Gear Collapse Following Crosswind Landing on ILS Approach (N55134)

Hagerstown, MD, US

On April 13, 2001, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N55134) was involved in an aviation accident near Hagerstown, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the landing phase. A factor in the accident was a sudden change in wind direction and speed. 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 an ILS Runway 27 approach, a pilot encountered variable crosswinds. At 3-5 feet above the runway, abrupt buffeting led to a bounced nose-first touchdown, collapsing the nose gear and causing propeller contact.

Background

The pilot was cleared for the ILS Runway 27 approach. During the initial approach phase, the airplane encountered light to occasional moderate turbulence. To maintain course, the pilot required a drift correction of 30 to 40 degrees.

Approach

When the airplane was 2 miles from the runway, the tower controller reported the wind as 300 degrees at 18 knots. The pilot continued the approach. Between 100 and 50 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot felt the crosswind "dramatically" subside. Following this, the pilot was able to maintain runway alignment with no wind correction.

Landing

The landing phase proceeded without incident until the airplane was 3 to 5 feet above the runway. At that point, the pilot felt a "significant and abrupt" buffeting of the airplane. The airplane "weather-vaned" to the right, rolled left, and started to drift left of the centerline. The pilot applied corrective action; however, the airplane touched down nose wheel first, bounced back into the air, and then touched down nose wheel first again.

Aftermath

The nose gear collapsed and the propellers contacted the runway. No further details were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Apr 2001 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Hagerstown, MD?

During an ILS Runway 27 approach, a pilot encountered variable crosswinds. At 3-5 feet above the runway, abrupt buffeting led to a bounced nose-first touchdown, collapsing the nose gear and causing propeller contact.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Apr 2001 Piper PA-34-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Apr 2001 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N55134, at Hagerstown, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the landing phase. A factor in the accident was a sudden change in wind direction and speed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010502X00850. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.