On May 3, 2001, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N4089W) operated by Bellair, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Chefornak, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a stall and hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial air taxi pilot reported stalling the aircraft during final approach for a landing on a gravel runway in crosswinds, resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage to the airplane.
What happened
The pilot of a commercial air taxi operation was conducting an approach to land on a gravel runway. Conditions at the time included a direct crosswind component of approximately 15 knots. During the final phase of the approach, the aircraft experienced a stall. The subsequent touchdown was hard, causing the airplane to depart the side of the runway.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot provided details regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to the event. He stated that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane that contributed to the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a stall and hard landing.
What happened in the 3 May 2001 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Chefornak, AK?
A commercial air taxi pilot reported stalling the aircraft during final approach for a landing on a gravel runway in crosswinds, resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage to the airplane.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 May 2001 Piper PA-32-300 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 May 2001 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N4089W, operated by Bellair, Inc., at Chefornak, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a stall and hard landing.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…