Runway excursion and wing stall involving Cessna aircraft

Casualties unknown • Taunton, MA, US

A pilot experienced a runway excursion and subsequent wing stall during an aborted landing due to shifting wind conditions.

What happened

Prior to takeoff, the pilot noted that the wind sock indicated a direction 70 to 90 degrees different from the wind felt on the ground. During the flight, the pilot observed smoke near the airport which suggested a crosswind of approximately 135 degrees relative to the runway, appearing consistent with conditions at takeoff.

Upon landing on runway 30, the wind shifted, causing a tail/crosswind to lift the tail of the Cessna aircraft. The airplane veered left and began to depart the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the excursion using rudder and brakes but was unable to do so, subsequently applying full power to abort the landing. During the subsequent lift-off, the pilot banked right to avoid trees, which caused the right wing to stall and slide into the ground near the wind sock.

At the time of the accident, winds were reported as calm 45 minutes prior, and approximately 20 minutes after the event, winds were from 110 degrees at 7 knots. There were no injuries reported following the incident.

The investigation

The pilot reported no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft prior to the impact.

Probable cause

A shifting tailwind and crosswind during landing caused the aircraft to veer off the runway, followed by a wing stall during an aborted landing maneuver to avoid obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-04-02 Piper J3C-65 accident near Taunton, MA?

A pilot experienced a runway excursion and subsequent wing stall during an aborted landing due to shifting wind conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-04-02 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N88387, at Taunton, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A shifting tailwind and crosswind during landing caused the aircraft to veer off the runway, followed by a wing stall during an aborted landing maneuver to avoid obstacles.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030410X00472. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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