Runway excursion during landing following wind gust

Casualties unknown • Newburyport, MA, US

A pilot experienced a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion after encountering a wind gust and an obstacle near the runway threshold.

What happened

During the landing phase of flight, the pilot observed a fence positioned across the runway just before the numbers. During this approach, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind that caused the plane to bank to the left; however, the pilot was able to recover to a wings-level attitude.

As the aircraft flew over the fence, the left wing dropped significantly, requiring further correction from the pilot. The aircraft then made a hard touchdown, which resulted in the failure of the left tire. Following the impact, the aircraft skidded to the left and exited the side of the runway, eventually coming to rest in a grass area adjacent to the runway.

At 13:53, weather reported from an airport located 12 miles south indicated winds from 240 degrees at 9 knots.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a hard landing and tire failure following a wind gust and wing drop while passing over a fence near the runway threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-07-25 Piper PA-32R-301 accident near Newburyport, MA?

A pilot experienced a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion after encountering a wind gust and an obstacle near the runway threshold.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-07-25 involved a Piper PA-32R-301, registration N8146Y, at Newburyport, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a hard landing and tire failure following a wind gust and wing drop while passing over a fence near the runway threshold.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031006X01660. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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