Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Veers Off Runway During Crosswind Landing in Griffith (N9223T)

Griffith, IN, US

On April 15, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9223T) operated by Great Northern Aircraft Sales was involved in an aviation accident near Griffith, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITION AND MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING. THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER IN SOFT TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 student pilot veered off Runway 8 at Griffith, Indiana, during a third landing attempt in crosswind conditions, causing the aircraft to nose over in a sandy area.

Incident Overview

A student pilot returning from a practice area attempted a full stop landing on Runway 8 at Griffith, Indiana. The wind, reported by a weather observation facility located 6 nautical miles north of the airport, was 030 degrees at 10 knots. During the first two landing attempts, the pilot elected to go around after drifting to the right of the runway.

Third Landing Attempt

On the third attempt, the pilot reported using proper crosswind corrections and believed the aircraft was aligned with the runway. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft veered off the runway into a sandy area, where it nosed over.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest in the sandy terrain adjacent to the runway. No additional details about the aircraft, occupants, or damage were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 1989 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Griffith, IN?

A student pilot veered off Runway 8 at Griffith, Indiana, during a third landing attempt in crosswind conditions, causing the aircraft to nose over in a sandy area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 1989 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N9223T, operated by Great Northern Aircraft Sales, at Griffith, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITION AND MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING. THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER IN SOFT TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE STUDENT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28064. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.