Substantial damage to aircraft following hard landing during turbulence

Casualties unknown • Osage Beach, MO, US

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after a hard landing on Runway 32, following a sudden loss of airspeed and lift caused by wind gusts.

What happened

During the descent to the destination airport, the pilot encountered light to moderate turbulence. As the aircraft approached touchdown on Runway 32, a sudden gust of wind caused the occupants to be jerked in their seats. This event resulted in an immediate loss of airspeed and lift. Although the pilot applied full engine power in an attempt to recover, the aircraft impacted the runway with significant force.

The incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. At the time of the accident, winds at the airport were reported as 270 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 30 knots. Nearby weather observations from a station approximately 7 nautical miles east of the airport recorded winds from 270 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 14 knots, with variable directions between 250 and 310 degrees.

Probable cause

A sudden loss of airspeed and lift caused by a wind gust during the landing phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-10-12 Piper PA-24-260 accident near Osage Beach, MO?

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after a hard landing on Runway 32, following a sudden loss of airspeed and lift caused by wind gusts.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-10-12 involved a Piper PA-24-260, registration N8546P, at Osage Beach, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A sudden loss of airspeed and lift caused by a wind gust during the landing phase.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061106X01616. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…