No fatalities

Crosswind Misjudgment Leads to Runway Departure During CFI Practice Flight (N9307D)

Robbinsville, NJ, US

On November 6, 1988, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9307D) operated by Aero Venture, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Robbinsville, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT FOR THE CROSSWIND AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING A CROSSWIND LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing for her CFI rating miscalculated the crosswind component, leading to a gusty landing where the right main wheel went off the runway and struck signs and a weather box.

Incident Overview

The pilot, who was practicing for her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating, operated the aircraft from the right seat. Before takeoff, she assessed the winds and calculated a crosswind component of 9-11 knots. She executed a go-around on her first approach due to unfavorable wind conditions.

Landing and Event

On the second approach, she applied crosswind correction. During the flare, a gust of wind affected the aircraft, resulting in a touchdown where the left main wheel contacted the runway while the right main wheel rolled onto the adjacent sod. The aircraft then continued to drift to the right, colliding with signs and a weather box.

Post-Accident Findings

After the accident, the pilot re-evaluated the winds and discovered her calculation error: the actual crosswind component was 16-22 knots. She stated that she would not have flown in the higher winds had she been aware of the miscalculation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Nov 1988 Cessna 172RG accident near Robbinsville, NJ?

A pilot practicing for her CFI rating miscalculated the crosswind component, leading to a gusty landing where the right main wheel went off the runway and struck signs and a weather box.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Nov 1988 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Nov 1988 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9307D, operated by Aero Venture, Inc., at Robbinsville, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT FOR THE CROSSWIND AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING A CROSSWIND LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.