Event FTW01LA037

Factual narrative

On December 16, 2000, at 1545 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane, N7859W, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of control while landing at the Richard Lloyd Jones JR Airport, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The certified flight instructor (CFI), private pilot receiving instruction, and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Bristol Aviation Services LLC., of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The local flight originated at 1530 from the Richard Lloyd Jones JR Airport. According to the CFI and private pilot, the purpose of the flight was for the private pilot to receive an airplane checkout from the CFI. They reported that there were snow banks surrounding the taxiways and runways; however, the taxiway and runway surfaces were clear and dry. At 1545, the weather observation facility located at the Richard Lloyd Jones JR Airport reported the wind from 330 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The flight departed from runway 31 with the private pilot as the flying pilot. During the initial takeoff climb, the CFI noted to the private pilot that there was a crosswind from the east. The private pilot requested to remain in the pattern with the intention of the first landing being to a full stop. The CFI reported that due to the "choppy conditions," the private pilot "kept the airspeed a little higher than normal" during the final approach leg. During the landing flare/touchdown, the airplane touched down, bounced, and drifted left of the runway centerline. The private pilot initiated a go-around; however, the CFI assumed control of the airplane, reduced the throttle to idle, and attempted to land the airplane. As the airplane descended back to the runway, a "wind gust caught the airplane from the right," and subsequently, the airplane departed the runway. It then contacted a snow bank off the left side of the runway, crossed a taxiway, and came to a stop upright. The FAA inspector reported that the airplane's left wing was bent upwards, and the wing spar was damaged. He added that the left main landing gear separated from the airframe. The private pilot was receiving an airplane checkout from a certified flight instructor (CFI). The private pilot taxied the airplane to runway 31, departed, and during the initial takeoff climb the CFI noted to the private pilot that there was a crosswind from the east. They decided to remain in the pattern and execute a landing to a full stop. The CFI reported that due to the 'choppy conditions' the private pilot 'kept the airspeed a little higher than normal' during the final approach. During the landing flare/touchdown, the airplane touched down, bounced, and drifted left of the runway centerline. The private pilot initiated a go-around; however, the CFI assumed control of the airplane, reduced the throttle to idle, and attempted to land the airplane. As the airplane was descending back to the runway, a 'wind gust caught the airplane from the right,' and subsequently, the airplane departed the runway. The airplane contacted a snow bank off the left side of the runway, crossed a taxiway, and came to a stop upright. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12