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Pilot Reports Gust of Wind During Landing Rollout Leading to Collision with Tree (N5447F)

Melbourne, FL, US

On September 30, 2001, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N5447F) was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing rollout while landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground swerve, and the aircraft exiting the runway and incurring substantial damage when it… 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 landing rollout, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the right. The pilot attempted a go-around but the aircraft exited the runway onto grass, hit a ditch, rolled into shrubs, and collided with a pine tree, causing substantial damage.

Accident Description

According to the pilot, the accident occurred during the landing rollout when a gust of wind blew the aircraft to the right. The pilot stated that he attempted to go around by applying power, but the aircraft departed the runway surface and entered the grass. It subsequently struck a ditch, rolled into Palmetto shrubs, and collided with a 4-inch diameter pine tree. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with the tree and terrain.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that prior to the accident, there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction of the aircraft or any of its systems. The event was described as a consequence of the gusty wind conditions during the landing rollout.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 2001 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Melbourne, FL?

During landing rollout, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the right. The pilot attempted a go-around but the aircraft exited the runway onto grass, hit a ditch, rolled into shrubs, and collided with a pine tree, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 2001 Piper PA-28-151 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N5447F, at Melbourne, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing rollout while landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground swerve, and the aircraft exiting the runway and incurring substantial damage when it collided with a ditch.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011002X02026. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.