N32194

On April 8, 1999, at 1755 central daylight time (cdt), a Piper PA-28-180, N32194, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during landing, on Runway 35 (4,436 feet by 100 feet dry/asphalt), at the North Platte Regional Airport, near North Platte, Nebraska. The personal flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. There was no flight plan on file. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries to himself or his one passenger. The flight originated from the Sheridan County Airport, Sheridan, Wyoming at 1330.

In a written statement, the pilot stated that, "the final approach was as expected, however at the moment of flare, a strong gust of wind from 320 degrees moved us 80 feet off the runway."

Post accident examination showed damage to the ribs and skin of the right wing, the outboard four feet of the left wing was bent upward approximately 12", the engine mount tubing was distorted, and the firewall was bent.

The pilot reported no pre-existing anomalies and none were found during post accident examination.

Weather reports for a reporting station, KLBF, located at the accident airport showed winds as follows;

At 1356 cdt, 4 hours prior to the accident, wind 350 degrees at 21 knots gusting to 26 knots with a peak wind of 280 degrees at 33 knots.

At 1456 cdt, 3 hours prior to the accident, wind 330 degrees at 24 knots gusting to 31 knots with a peak wind of 360 degrees at 33 knots.

At 1556 cdt, 2 hours prior to the accident, wind 340 degrees at 29 knots gusting to 39 knots with a peak wind of 330 degrees at 39 knots.

At 1656 cdt, 1 hours prior to the accident, wind 330 degrees at 33 knots gusting to 45 knots with a peak wind of 340 degrees at 45 knots.

At 1756 cdt, at the time of the accident, wind 340 degrees at 29 knots gusting to 39 knots with a peak wind of 320 degrees at 47 knots.