Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Control During Landing, Aircraft Strikes Embankment (N5523Z)

Englewood, CO, US

On October 16, 1990, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N5523Z) operated by Ronald M. Lewark was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. 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

A student pilot lost directional control during landing roll on Runway 28, causing the aircraft to depart the runway left and strike a four-foot embankment, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Details

A student pilot was conducting a landing on Runway 28. During the landing roll, the pilot reported a loss of directional control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway to the left. The aircraft then struck a four-foot embankment, tearing the left wing loose at the root. The impact also resulted in a bent left wing spar, a twisted fuselage, and a crushed cabin top.

Pilot Statement and Weather

The pilot stated that he believed a gust of wind struck the aircraft during the landing roll. However, the weather observation did not record any gusts during the accident sequence. The crosswind component was computed to be 8 knots, which was within the capabilities of the aircraft.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, including the separation of the left wing at the wing root, a bent wing spar, structural twisting of the fuselage, and crushing of the cabin top.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.