Aircraft runway excursion and gear collapse following wind gust

Casualties unknown • Minden, NV, US

An aircraft veered off the runway and collided with terrain during the landing roll after being displaced by a wind gust.

What happened

During the approach, the pilot observed the airport's tetrahedron indicating winds from a northerly direction. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold on short final, the pilot noted that the windsock at the end of the runway indicated calm conditions. The pilot configured the aircraft with full flaps and attempted a three-point landing.

During the flare, a wind gust displaced the aircraft approximately 10 to 15 feet to the right of the centerline. The aircraft touched down at approximately 45 miles per hour and began to veer toward the left. In an attempt to counteract the veer, the pilot applied full right rudder and brake pressure while inputting left aileron. The aircraft continued in an arc off the left side of the runway and encountered a depression in the terrain.

As a result of the excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing impacted the terrain. The pilot reported that winds at the time of the accident were calm with 15-knot gusts. There were no injuries reported.

The investigation

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft. The pilot suggested that the accident might have been prevented if full power had been applied when the aircraft was initially displaced during touchdown.

Probable cause

A wind gust caused the aircraft to be displaced from the centerline, leading to a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-04-18 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Minden, NV?

An aircraft veered off the runway and collided with terrain during the landing roll after being displaced by a wind gust.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-04-18 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N6062D, operated by James Plake, at Minden, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A wind gust caused the aircraft to be displaced from the centerline, leading to a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion into terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040430X00540. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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