On May 5, 2003, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N448VP) was involved in an aviation accident near Buffalo, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to prevent an inadvertent stall. Factors were the variable and gusty winds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that at 20 feet and 100-110 mph, the airplane fell to the runway during an approach to land on runway 23. Airport wind data showed variability of 40 degrees and velocity changes of about 5 knots.
Incident Overview
A pilot was performing an approach to land on runway 23 at an airport equipped with a low level windshear detection system. The pilot reported that at an altitude of 20 feet and an airspeed of 100-110 mph, the airplane fell to the runway.
Wind Conditions
According to data from the on-airport sensors, covering a period from 2 minutes before the accident to 2 minutes after, the wind was variable by 40 degrees, and the velocity changed by about 5 knots. The tower had reported the wind from 170 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the approach.
Airport Systems
The airport was equipped with a low level windshear detection system. Data from this system indicated the wind variability during the relevant timeframe.
What happened in the 5 May 2003 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Buffalo, NY?
A pilot reported that at 20 feet and 100-110 mph, the airplane fell to the runway during an approach to land on runway 23. Airport wind data showed variability of 40 degrees and velocity changes of about 5 knots.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 May 2003 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N448VP, at Buffalo, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to prevent an inadvertent stall. Factors were the variable and gusty winds.
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