N1321H

On April 22, 1997, about 2050 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-300, N1321H, registered to Royal Sons Inc., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight crashed on landing at Bush Field, Augusta, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot, and three passengers reported no injuries. The flight originated from St. Petersburg, Florida, about 2 hours 10 minutes before the accident.

The pilot stated upon arrival in the Augusta area, that he observed thunderstorm activity in the vicinity. He was cleared to land on runway 35. While on final approach the tower operator advised him of the thunderstorms and gusty wind conditions. He elected to continue with the VFR approach and landing. He started his landing flare/touchdown at about 10 to 15 feet, and encountered a strong gusty wind. The airplane turned to the right 90 degrees. He lost directional control, the airplane landed hard on the main gear perpendicular to the runway, skidded off the runway, and collapsed all landing gear.

Review of radio communications between N1321H and Augusta Air Traffic Control, local control (LC) revealed at 2047:32 N1321H was advised of windshear Advisories at the airport which was acknowledged by the pilot at 2047:39. The pilot was advised at 2048:44 by LC that the wind was 260 degrees at 56 knots.

Review of weather information obtained from Bush Field, Augusta, Georgia, for the time of the accident, revealed no recorded record of turbulence, or downdrafts, and the winds were 280-degrees, at 26 knots, gusting to 48 knots.