Aircraft wing strike during runway approach

No fatalities • Butler, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a wing strike during an approach to runway 8, coming to rest off the runway surface amidst reported wind shear conditions.

What happened

During an approach to runway 8, the left wing of the aircraft made contact with the ground roughly 75 feet before the runway threshold. Following the impact, the aircraft traveled approximately 160 feet along the runway before coming to a stop off the right side of the pavement.

Weather conditions at the time of the incident involved significant wind fluctuations. A pilot who had landed on runway 26 approximately 30 minutes earlier reported northwest winds at 15 knots with gusts, noting airspeed fluctuations of 10 knots during the final approach. Official weather observations from 19 miles east at 1045 EST confirmed winds from 310 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 20 knots.

Findings

An FAA Inspector's examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies or pre-impact defects in the aircraft. However, meteorological advisories were in effect for the region. An AIRMET issued earlier that morning warned of moderate turbulence below 8,000 feet. A subsequent update at 0945 specifically noted the potential for low-level wind shear in the Boston Area Forecast area, driven by gusty northwesterly surface winds, which were expected to persist until 1600.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a wing strike during approach amidst reported low-level wind shear and gusty conditions.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-02-12 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Butler, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a wing strike during an approach to runway 8, coming to rest off the runway surface amidst reported wind shear conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-02-12 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-12 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration N89HS, operated by George R. Harrington, at Butler, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a wing strike during approach amidst reported low-level wind shear and gusty conditions.

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