On 29 Jun 2017, a PIPER PA 28-140 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Honesdale, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During the landing flare, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and spun the airplane left, causing it to veer off the runway into a ditch. The forward fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot, during the landing flare a gust of wind caused the right wing to lift and the airplane to spin to the left. The airplane subsequently veered off the left side of the runway and came to rest in a ditch. The forward portion of the fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot attributed the event to a gust of wind that picked up the right wing and spun the airplane to the left during the flare.
Weather Conditions
A weather observation system located approximately 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported that around the time of the accident, a right crosswind of 70° at 8 knots prevailed.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. No other damage was reported.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained