On June 15, 2002, a Piper PA-16 (registration N5942H) was involved in an aviation accident near Umpqua, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempted compensation for the unfavorable winds was inadequate to avoid impacting the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing flare at a grass airstrip, unfavorable winds caused a yaw. The go-around resulted in terrain impact and fence collision. No flight control or engine issues were found; inadequate wind compensation was cited.
Incident Overview
As the pilot prepared to initiate the landing flare at an 1,800-foot grass airstrip, unfavorable winds were encountered. These winds caused the aircraft to yaw to the left. In response, the pilot executed a go-around. However, during the go-around maneuver, the aircraft impacted the terrain along the left side of the runway and subsequently collided with a nearby fence.
Sequence of Events
The incident occurred as the aircraft approached the airstrip for landing. When the pilot began the landing flare, unexpected wind conditions induced a left yaw. The pilot decided to abort the landing and perform a go-around. The aircraft then struck the ground to the left of the runway and hit a fence.
Findings
An investigation determined that there were no malfunctions with the aircraft's flight controls or its engine. The cause of the accident was attributed to the pilot's attempted compensation for the unfavorable winds being inadequate to avoid impacting the terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot's attempted compensation for the unfavorable winds was inadequate to avoid impacting the terrain.