On August 21, 2005, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N6617P) was involved in an aviation accident near Hancock, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting the ground. A factor in the accident was the downdraft wind condition, as reported by the pilot. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on base leg for Runway 35 added flaps and trimmed for 85 knots. During final approach, a downdraft was encountered. Power was applied but the airplane struck rising terrain short of the runway and slid about 200 feet.
Flight Path
The pilot entered the traffic pattern for Runway 35. While on the base leg, he selected two notches of flaps and trimmed the airplane to maintain an airspeed of 85 knots.
Encounter and Impact
During the final approach to the runway, the airplane encountered a gust of wind characterized as a downdraft. The pilot responded by applying power, but the airplane impacted the rising terrain prior to the approach end of the runway. After impact, the airplane slid approximately 200 feet before coming to rest.
Weather Conditions
At an airport located 31 miles to the southeast, the reported winds were from 260 degrees at 8 knots. No other weather observations are available from the accident site.
What happened in the 21 Aug 2005 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Hancock, NY?
A pilot on base leg for Runway 35 added flaps and trimmed for 85 knots. During final approach, a downdraft was encountered. Power was applied but the airplane struck rising terrain short of the runway and slid about 200 feet.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Aug 2005 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N6617P, at Hancock, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting the ground. A factor in the accident was the downdraft wind condition, as reported by the pilot.
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