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Crosswind Landing Results in Inverted Aircraft After Cornfield Impact (N49554)

St. Charles, MO, US

On July 3, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N49554) operated by ST Charles Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near St. Charles, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AIRCRAFT CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND DUE TO IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS IN FLARING THE AIRCRAFT FOR LANDING AND COUNTERACTING THE EFFECTS OF THE CROSS-WIND ON THE DRIFTING AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

During practice crosswind takeoffs and landings, a pilot experienced a hard bounce and drift; continued landing due to nearby parked aircraft, braked but hit a cornfield, causing spin and left wing strike, then flipped inverted after nose wheel hit a gulley.

Incident Details

A private pilot was conducting local crosswind takeoffs and landings on Runway 9. The surface wind was reported at 10 to 15 knots, with a direction approximately 70 to 90 degrees from the left of the runway heading.

Sequence of Events

During the landing, the aircraft bounced hard, became airborne, and drifted to the right. The pilot elected to continue the landing rather than execute a go-around, citing the proximity of parked aircraft on the ramp. The pilot attempted to brake the aircraft to a stop before entering a bordering cornfield.

Outcome

The right wing of the aircraft struck the cornfield, causing the aircraft to spin. Subsequently, the left wing struck the terrain. The nose wheel then encountered a small gulley, and the aircraft flipped inverted.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jul 1989 Cessna 152 accident near St. Charles, MO?

During practice crosswind takeoffs and landings, a pilot experienced a hard bounce and drift; continued landing due to nearby parked aircraft, braked but hit a cornfield, causing spin and left wing strike, then flipped inverted after nose wheel hit a gulley.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49554, operated by ST Charles Flying Service, at St. Charles, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AIRCRAFT CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND DUE TO IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS IN FLARING THE AIRCRAFT FOR LANDING AND COUNTERACTING THE EFFECTS OF THE CROSS-WIND ON THE DRIFTING AIRCRAFT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28925. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.