No fatalities

Student Pilot's Crosswind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Light Strike (N11BA)

Kansas City, MO, US

On September 7, 1991, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N11BA) operated by Bakers Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Kansas City, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE LANDING FLARE AND NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A LANDING TOUCHDOWN AND ROLL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During crosswind landing practice, a student pilot experienced yaw and ballooning, resulting in a runway excursion and damage to taxiway and runway lights.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings when a crosswind condition existed. The wind was from the left at a 30-degree angle, with a velocity of 5 to 10 knots.

Sequence of Events

While the student pilot was establishing a landing touchdown attitude, the airplane began to yaw to the left and simultaneously balloon. In response, the pilot added power and applied left aileron and left rudder. The airplane subsequently touched down on the left side of the runway and departed the left edge of the runway.

Consequences

During the excursion, the airplane struck the edges of another taxiway and runway, as well as taxiway and runway lights. The extent of damage to the aircraft or infrastructure was not specified in the source.

Pilot Actions

The student pilot reported applying power and left aileron/rudder inputs at the same time in reaction to the yaw and ballooning. The source does not elaborate on the effectiveness or appropriateness of these control inputs.

Environmental Conditions

The reported wind was a left crosswind component of 5 to 10 knots, with a 30-degree angle relative to the runway. The source does not specify the time of day, visibility, or other weather factors.

Additional Details

The source did not provide information on the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, number of occupants, or any injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 1991 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Kansas City, MO?

During crosswind landing practice, a student pilot experienced yaw and ballooning, resulting in a runway excursion and damage to taxiway and runway lights.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Sept 1991 Piper PA-38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 1991 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N11BA, operated by Bakers Flying Service, at Kansas City, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE LANDING FLARE AND NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A LANDING TOUCHDOWN AND ROLL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18065. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.