Casualties unknown

Nose-over during landing rollout due to crosswind and terrain (N91238)

Visalia, CA, US

On September 23, 1982, a Piper PA-18 (registration N91238) operated by Johnston Aircraft Svc. Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Visalia, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and nosing over upon striking a bump. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft nosed over after landing on runway 28 with a north crosswind, causing the left main gear to hit soft dirt and divert onto bumpy ground before striking a large bump.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a landing operation on runway 28 when a crosswind from the north, reported at speeds between 10 and 12 knots, influenced the aircraft's trajectory. During the touchdown phase, the wind conditions caused the aircraft to drift to the left side of the runway.

As the aircraft continued its rollout, the left main landing gear encountered an area of soft dirt adjacent to the paved surface. This interaction diverted the plane onto uneven and bumpy ground. The aircraft traveled over this rough terrain until it was nearly stopped. At that point, the nose struck a large bump in the ground, causing the aircraft to nosed over.

The investigation

The physical evidence indicated that the left main gear had departed the runway surface due to lateral displacement caused by the crosswind. The subsequent damage was consistent with impact from soft terrain and a significant obstruction on the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and nosing over upon striking a bump.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04750. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.