Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in a gusting wind condition.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the AWOS weather reported strong gusts of 15 up to 25 kts straight down the runway. At approximately 20 ft agl, he experienced moderate turbulence and elected to abort the landing and attempted to climb. However, as the airspeed was decreasing the airplane was not gaining altitude. The pilot experienced another strong wind gust which put the airplane into a nose down and right wing low attitude, which he was unable to control and collided with the runway substantially damaging the right wing.
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA111 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grass Valley, California
- Nearest airport
- Nevada County Airport (GOO)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper AEROSTAR 601P
- N-number
- N1SS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.