Casualties unknown

Crosswind Landing Leads to Cartwheel Accident (N528)

Cedar Rapids, IA, US

On March 25, 1986, a Beech G18S (registration N528) was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Rapids, IA. 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

While landing with a strong crosswind, a wind gust lifted the right wing, causing the airplane to veer left. The pilot added power and lifted off but the gust stopped, leading to a ground impact and cartwheel.

Incident Description

The pilot was aware of strong crosswinds during the landing approach. The airplane was landing on runway 13 with winds from 180 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots. According to the pilot, while rolling down the runway, a wind gust lifted the right wing, and the airplane slowly veered left. The pilot added power and lifted the airplane into the air in a left turn.

Sequence of Events

After the gust stopped, the airplane dropped to the ground on the left landing gear and nosed forward. The left propeller and wing tip struck the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel to the left. During the cartwheel, the nose, right propeller, and landing gear were struck. The airplane came to rest oriented 180 degrees from the landing runway heading.

Damage

The damage included the left propeller, wing tip, nose, right propeller, and landing gear. No other details were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33150. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.