Aircraft terrain collision during aborted landing

Casualties unknown • Auburn, CA, US

A pilot experienced a stall and subsequent hard landing after applying full power to abort a landing due to sudden wind gusts.

What happened

The pilot conducted a 30-minute local flight after observing the weather and airport traffic for one hour prior to departure. While established in the traffic pattern upon returning to the airport, the pilot noted varying crosswind and quartering headwind conditions via the windsock. These conditions were confirmed by the automated weather observation system (AWOS) as 9 knots with gusts up to 16 knots.

Upon touchdown in the Cessna (type not specified), a strong gust from the north occurred. The pilot applied full power with the intention of aborting the landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft lifted off and began a climb, but subsequently stalled. The aircraft then landed hard between the runway and a parallel taxiway, resulting in the main landing gear spreading and the airframe structure behind the cabin bending.

The investigation

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions involving the engine or the aircraft during the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot applied full power to abort a landing following a strong wind gust, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent terrain collision.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-05-05 Stinson 108 accident near Auburn, CA?

A pilot experienced a stall and subsequent hard landing after applying full power to abort a landing due to sudden wind gusts.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-05-05 involved a Stinson 108, registration N97648, at Auburn, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot applied full power to abort a landing following a strong wind gust, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent terrain collision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070515X00571. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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