Aircraft nosed over following wind gust during landing

Casualties unknown • Ruth, CA, US

A pilot experienced a runway excursion and nose-over after encountering a significant wind gust during the landing rollout.

What happened

During the landing phase of flight, the aircraft encountered a 35-knot wind gust while rolling out on the runway. The pilot reported that conditions appeared nearly calm upon entering the airport traffic pattern, and no unusual issues were noted during the approach to the runway.

Immediately after touchdown, the sudden wind gust caused the tail of the aircraft to lift. The pilot was unable to regain control of the aircraft, resulting in it veering off the runway and performing a nose-over. The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the aircraft prior to the event.

Findings

  • The pilot had accumulated approximately 500 hours of flight time in this aircraft model, including 6 hours within the 90 days preceding the accident.
  • The primary factor in the loss of control was a 35-knot wind gust encountered during the landing rollout.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway and nosed over after encountering a sudden 35-knot wind gust during the landing rollout.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-29 Piper PA-22-160 accident near Ruth, CA?

A pilot experienced a runway excursion and nose-over after encountering a significant wind gust during the landing rollout.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-29 involved a Piper PA-22-160, registration N3607Z, at Ruth, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway and nosed over after encountering a sudden 35-knot wind gust during the landing rollout.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020913X01602. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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