FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Landing Gear Collapse Following Wind Shear Encounter on Final Approach (N1351H)

Montauk, NY, US

On September 5, 2004, a Piper PA32-300 (registration N1351H) operated by Mark R. Gosden was involved in an aviation accident near Montauk, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a wind shear encounter, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose and right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot encountered wind shear during final approach to runway 6, resulting in a hard landing that caused the nose and right main gear to collapse after striking trees with the left wing.

What happened

The aircraft was established on final approach to runway 6, which measures 3,258 feet in length and 85 feet in width with an asphalt surface. During this phase of flight, the pilot reported encountering wind shear conditions. As a result of these aerodynamic disturbances, the left wing struck trees located near the runway environment.

The subsequent impact forced the aircraft to land hard on the remaining gear. The force of the touchdown caused structural failure in the landing gear system, specifically resulting in the collapse of both the nose gear and the right main landing gear. Meteorological data from the airport at approximately the time of the accident indicated winds coming from 110 degrees at a speed of 11 knots, with gusts reaching 18 knots.

The investigation

Investigation into the mechanical failure focused on the landing gear assembly following the hard landing. Examination confirmed that the nose and right main landing gear collapsed due to the excessive loads generated by the impact with the ground after the wind shear event and tree strike.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a wind shear encounter, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose and right main landing gear.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 2004 Piper PA32-300 accident near Montauk, NY?

A pilot encountered wind shear during final approach to runway 6, resulting in a hard landing that caused the nose and right main gear to collapse after striking trees with the left wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 2004 Piper PA32-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 2004 involved a Piper PA32-300, registration N1351H, operated by Mark R. Gosden, at Montauk, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a wind shear encounter, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose and right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040928X01502. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.