Casualties unknown

2003-07-25: Piper PA-32R-301 (N8146Y) — Newburyport, MA

Newburyport, MA, US

On July 25, 2003, a Piper PA-32R-301 (registration N8146Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Newburyport, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and his inadequate flare. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, a pilot observed a fence across the runway. A gust caused a bank, then a hard touchdown blew the left tire, leading to a skid off the runway into grass.

Incident Overview

A pilot landing an airplane observed a fence extending across the runway just prior to the runway threshold numbers. As the airplane approached, it encountered a gust of wind that induced a left bank. The pilot corrected and returned the airplane to a wings-level attitude. While flying over the fence, the left wing dropped "uncomfortably," prompting another corrective input. The airplane then touched down hard, causing the left tire to blow out. Subsequently, the airplane skidded to the left, departed the side of the runway, and came to rest in an adjacent grass area.

Environmental Conditions

The reported wind at an airport located 12 miles to the south, recorded at 1353 local time, was from 240 degrees at 9 knots. No other weather information was provided in the source.

Aircraft and Occupants

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or operator. Information regarding occupants, injuries, or additional damage is not included in the source material.

Sequence of Events

  • While landing, the pilot sighted a fence extending across the runway before the numbers.
  • A gust of wind caused the airplane to bank left; the pilot recovered to wings level.
  • As the airplane passed over the fence, the left wing dropped, and the pilot corrected.
  • The airplane landed hard, resulting in a left tire blowout.
  • The airplane skidded left, off the runway, and stopped on grass alongside the runway.

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.