Casualties unknown

Aircraft Departs Runway During Familiarization Flight in Gusty Crosswind (N29935)

Eden Prairie, MN, US

On May 3, 1988, a North American AT-6D (registration N29935) operated by Richard L. Knisely was involved in an aviation accident near Eden Prairie, MN. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N29935
Aircraft registered N29935. Photo: Pete Markham from Loretto, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a familiarization flight, a pilot lost control in gusty crosswind conditions. The instructor took over but could not maintain directional control, leading to a runway excursion and structural damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting an aircraft familiarization flight for check-out purposes encountered gusty crosswind conditions during landing. The pilot failed to maintain aircraft control, prompting the instructor pilot to take over the controls. Despite the intervention, directional control could not be regained, and the aircraft departed the runway.

Sequence of Events

After the aircraft left the runway surface, the pilot added power. The left wing subsequently struck a concrete culvert, causing the aircraft to swing around to the left. The aircraft then skidded across an embankment. During the skid, the propeller contacted the ground. The impact sheared off the right main landing gear and collapsed the left main landing gear.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a sheared right main gear, collapsed left main gear, and propeller damage from ground contact. The left wing also sustained damage from striking the culvert.

Contributing Circumstances

The incident occurred during a training flight aimed at familiarizing the pilot with the aircraft. No further information about the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or date is available from the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 May 1988 North American AT-6D accident near Eden Prairie, MN?

During a familiarization flight, a pilot lost control in gusty crosswind conditions. The instructor took over but could not maintain directional control, leading to a runway excursion and structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 May 1988 involved a North American AT-6D, registration N29935, operated by Richard L. Knisely, at Eden Prairie, MN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25645. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.