Casualties unknown

2001-05-05: North American AT-6 D (N7421C) — William S. Modes — Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ, US

On May 5, 2001, a North American AT-6 D (registration N7421C) operated by William S. Modes was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for an existing crosswind condition. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a transition training flight, a gust of wind struck the airplane on touchdown. The CFI aborted the landing, but the airplane struck taxiway signs and crossed a ditch before coming to rest on its landing gear.

Incident Overview

During the accident landing, the airplane was struck by a gust of wind at touchdown. The flight instructor (CFI) aborted the landing. Subsequently, the airplane struck taxiway signs, traveled through a ditch, and came to rest on the opposite side of the ditch on its landing gear.

Flight Details

The purpose of the flight was to provide transition training for the front seat pilot, who had recently purchased a similar airplane. The CFI reported that previous landings had been conducted on runway 21L, and that the front seat pilot had not performed as well as the CFI had hoped. Prior to the accident landing, the local controller switched the active runway to 30 due to a change in wind direction.

Weather Conditions

Reported METAR winds at PRC indicated wind from 350 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

Sequence of Events

The CFI was flying the airplane on the accident landing. The airplane touched down in a slight crab. Before the CFI could straighten the airplane, it departed the runway. The CFI attempted a go-around but then aborted the go-around due to the presence of a ditch off the right side of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010604X01071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.