Casualties unknown

Airplane Stalls After Gust During Landing, Catches Fire (N1654B)

DU Bois, PA, US

On June 5, 2006, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N1654B) was involved in an aviation accident near DU Bois, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. A factor was the wind gust as reported by the pilot. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing flare, a gust of wind lifted the airplane to an extreme angle, then ceased. The airplane stalled, impacted the ground, and caught fire. Pilot reported 528 hours total time; no mechanical issues found.

Accident Summary

According to the pilot's report, as he flared the airplane for landing, a gust of wind lifted the aircraft at "an extremely high angle to the runway, and then quit." Subsequently, the airplane "stalled," impacted the ground, and caught fire.

Pilot Information

The pilot reported that he had accumulated 528 hours of total flight experience at the time of the accident.

Investigation Findings

The pilot stated that he experienced no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. An examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector also revealed no mechanical deficiencies. The winds reported at the airport at the time of the accident were variable at 3 knots.

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or injuries were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 2006 Piper PA-28-180 accident near DU Bois, PA?

During landing flare, a gust of wind lifted the airplane to an extreme angle, then ceased. The airplane stalled, impacted the ground, and caught fire. Pilot reported 528 hours total time; no mechanical issues found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 2006 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N1654B, at DU Bois, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. A factor was the wind gust as reported by the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060618X00759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.