FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides With Dirt Berm During Landing (N55550)

Crownpoint, NM, US

On March 3, 1982, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N55550) operated by Window Rock Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Crownpoint, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain runway centerline during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft drifting off the runway and colliding with a dirt berm. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing with a 25-knot southwest wind, the aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline on short final. Upon touchdown, the left wheel entered soft dirt, causing the plane to drift further left and collide with a dirt berm.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a landing operation with a 25-knot wind from the southwest. While on a short final approach, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway centerline. On touchdown, the left wheel entered soft dirt, causing the plane to drift further left. The aircraft then collided with a dirt berm, collapsing the nose gear and buckling the engine firewall.

The investigation

The investigation revealed that the left wheel entered soft dirt upon touchdown, which contributed to the aircraft drifting further left of the runway centerline. The collision with the dirt berm resulted in significant damage to the airframe, including the collapse of the nose gear and buckling of the engine firewall.

Findings

The primary finding was that the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway centerline during the landing phase. This drift was exacerbated by the left wheel entering soft dirt upon touchdown, leading to a collision with a dirt berm. The incident highlights the risks associated with landing on runways with adjacent soft surfaces and crosswind conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain runway centerline during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft drifting off the runway and colliding with a dirt berm.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Mar 1982 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Crownpoint, NM?

During a landing with a 25-knot southwest wind, the aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline on short final. Upon touchdown, the left wheel entered soft dirt, causing the plane to drift further left and collide with a dirt berm.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Mar 1982 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N55550, operated by Window Rock Airways, at Crownpoint, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain runway centerline during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft drifting off the runway and colliding with a dirt berm.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02037. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.