NYC00LA109

Factual narrative

On April 6, 2000, about 1715 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 172, N738CG, was substantially damaged while landing at Harriman-and-West Airport (AQW), North Adams, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The local flight departed AQW about 1700. The pilot stated that shortly after departure, he noticed drizzle, and returned to the airport for a landing on Runway 11. Although the winds were initially favoring Runway 11, the pilot experienced "wind shear" during his final approach. He landed with a tailwind, overran the runway, and the airplane came to rest in a fence. The airport manager witnessed the accident. He stated that the airplane touched down beyond the midpoint of the runway. At 1652, the reported winds at AQW were from 100 degrees at 5 knots. At 1752, the reported winds at AQW were from 280 degrees at 9 knots. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. Shortly after departure for the local flight, the pilot observed drizzle, and returned to the airport for landing. The pilot reported that he experienced a wind shear on approach to the runway. Weather data confirmed a 180 degree shift in the wind direction at the airport, within one hour. A witness at the airport stated that the accident airplane touched down beyond the midpoint of the runway. The airplane went off the end of the runway, into a fence. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12