Narrative:
Lodestar N163R was carrying seven Amateur Radio operators to the Palmyra Island atoll in the Pacific. While approaching the airstrip the pilot estimated a cross wind gusting to 15 knots. However, below tree level the wind was calm. The Lodestar swerved off the runway and collided with trees.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
pilot in command - improper compensation for wind conditions
FACTOR:
weather - wind shear
accident date: 05-01-1980
type: Lockheed 18 Learstar I
registration: N163R
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Saturday 5 January 1980 |
| Time: | 07:00 |
| Type: |  Lockheed 18 Learstar I |
| Operator: | F. Sorensen |
| Registration: | N163R |
| MSN: | 18-2492A |
| First flight: | 1943 |
| Engines: | 2 Wright R-1820 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 7 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 9 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Palmyra Island, Line Islands ( U.S. Minor Outlying Islands)
|
| Phase: | Landing (LDG) |
| Nature: | Domestic Non Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Honolulu International Airport, HI (HNL/PHNL), United States of America |
| Palmyra Island Atoll-Cooper Airport (PLPA), U.S. Minor Outlying Islands |
Lodestar N163R was carrying seven Amateur Radio operators to the Palmyra Island atoll in the Pacific. While approaching the airstrip the pilot estimated a cross wind gusting to 15 knots. However, below tree level the wind was calm. The Lodestar swerved off the runway and collided with trees.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE:
pilot in command - improper compensation for wind conditions
FACTOR:
weather - wind shear
Classification:
Runway excursion
Sources:
» NTSB File 3-0344Photos
accident date: 05-01-1980
type: Lockheed 18 Learstar I
registration: N163R
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Honolulu International Airport, HI to Palmyra Island Atoll-Cooper Airport as the crow flies is 1763 km (1102 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
Distance from Honolulu International Airport, HI to Palmyra Island Atoll-Cooper Airport as the crow flies is 1763 km (1102 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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