Casualties unknown

Airplane Destroyed After Impacting Trees During Go-Around (N4879L)

Fort Wayne, IN, US

On October 28, 2001, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N4879L) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Wayne, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining control of the airplane during an attempted go-around. A factor was the trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The airplane was destroyed when it struck trees while attempting a go-around after a gust of wind blew it off the runway centerline during landing. The pilot reported a sharp right bank that he could not counter.

Accident Summary

The airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees during a go-around maneuver. The pilot had been on short final for landing when a gust of wind displaced the aircraft from the runway centerline. He immediately initiated a go-around, during which the airplane banked sharply to the right, and he was unable to regain control. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees northeast of the airport.

Pilot Report

In a written report, the pilot stated that while landing on runway 23, the airplane banked sharply to the right. He attempted a go-around while trying to level the wings but was unsuccessful, resulting in the impact with trees. In a separate account, he noted that after being blown off centerline by a gust, he executed a go-around that led to an uncommanded sharp right bank that he could not counter. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions in either statement.

Investigation Findings

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that could be associated with a pre-impact condition. The pilot's reports listed no mechanical issues, and the examination corroborated the absence of any pre-impact mechanical failure.

Weather Information

The closest weather reporting station, located approximately 10 nautical miles south of the accident site, reported wind at 1254 as 240 degrees magnetic at 11 knots. No wind gusts were recorded in that report.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Oct 2001 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Fort Wayne, IN?

The airplane was destroyed when it struck trees while attempting a go-around after a gust of wind blew it off the runway centerline during landing. The pilot reported a sharp right bank that he could not counter.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Oct 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N4879L, at Fort Wayne, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining control of the airplane during an attempted go-around. A factor was the trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011102X02184. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.