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Pilot Reports Crosswind Encounter During Go-Around Leads to Collision with Bushes (N9490N)

Wichita Falls, TX, US

On February 16, 1991, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N9490N) operated by Flight Dynamics, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Wichita Falls, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR CROSSWIND CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED ON FINAL AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE ATTEMPTED GO AROUND. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE GUSTING CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. 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 pilot reported encountering a strong crosswind on final approach for runway 17, drifting left, and during a go-around the airplane collided with bushes and terrain.

Incident Details

A pilot reported that while on a one-eighth mile final approach for runway 17, a strong crosswind from the right was encountered. The airplane began to drift to the left, and the pilot was unable to correct the drift. The pilot elected to perform a go-around, but during the go-around the airplane continued to drift left off the runway and subsequently collided with bushes and the ground.

Wind Conditions

The winds were reported as from 180 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 24 knots.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the crosswind caused the initial drift, and despite attempting to correct, the airplane continued to drift off the runway during the go-around maneuver.

Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 1991 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Wichita Falls, TX?

A pilot reported encountering a strong crosswind on final approach for runway 17, drifting left, and during a go-around the airplane collided with bushes and terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1991 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N9490N, operated by Flight Dynamics, Inc., at Wichita Falls, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR CROSSWIND CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED ON FINAL AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE ATTEMPTED GO AROUND. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE GUSTING CROSSWIND CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16454. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.