Crash location | 37.646944°N, 75.762222°W |
Nearest city | Melfa, VA
37.649299°N, 75.741318°W 1.2 miles away |
Tail number | N3046H |
---|---|
Accident date | 19 Jan 2016 |
Aircraft type | Piper PA32RT |
Additional details: | None |
The pilot reported that while landing in crosswind conditions, a wind gust "forced" the airplane to drift to the right of the runway. The pilot initiated a go-around, but further reported that a "sudden drop" in the wind led to an aerodynamic stall.
After the airplane stalled, it impacted a structure adjacent to the runway. A postimpact fire ensued and the airplane was destroyed.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusting crosswind during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, impact with a structure, and subsequent postimpact fire.