Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during landing the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind. He applied full right rudder in an attempt to compensate for the wind, but the airplane veered off the left side of the runway, struck a runway sign and a runway light, and came to rest in a field; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at the airport about the time of the accident was from 290 degrees at 7 knots gusting to 15 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA342 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 17, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Springfield, Vermont
- Nearest airport
- Hartness State Airport (VSF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA46
- N-number
- N630TG
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.