Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion After Crosswind Gust Exceeds Aircraft Capabilities (N8756P)

Destin, FL, US

On August 23, 1990, a Piper PA24-260 (registration N8756P) was involved in an aviation accident near Destin, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane encountered a wind gust from the right that exceeded its crosswind capabilities, leading to loss of directional control and runway departure. 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

During landing, a wind gust from the right exceeded the airplane's crosswind capabilities, causing loss of directional control and runway departure. All landing gear collapsed upon encountering sand next to the runway.

Summary

A pilot landing an airplane experienced a loss of directional control after a wind gust from the right exceeded the aircraft's crosswind capabilities. The airplane departed the runway, and all landing gear collapsed when it encountered sand adjacent to the runway surface.

Sequence of Events

The pilot received runway information from UNICOM but did not receive wind information. During the approach, the pilot observed the windsock pointing perpendicular to the runway, though it was not fully extended. Upon landing, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the right that exceeded the crosswind capabilities of the airplane. This gust caused a loss of directional control, and the airplane departed the runway.

Damage

After departing the runway, the airplane encountered sand next to the runway, and all three landing gear collapsed as a result.

Probable cause

The airplane encountered a wind gust from the right that exceeded its crosswind capabilities, leading to loss of directional control and runway departure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24082. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.