Casualties unknown

Gust of Wind Lifts Wing During Landing Flare on Runway 20 (N9270J)

Springfield, MO, US

On May 15, 1992, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N9270J) operated by Donald L. & Donna F. Davis was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING A DOWNWIND LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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 experienced a gust of wind that lifted the left wing during flare, causing the right wing and propeller to strike the runway on Runway 20.

Wind Information

The pilot of the accident airplane was initially issued wind information of 090 degrees at 11 knots and cleared to land on Runway 14. This configuration resulted in a crosswind component 50 degrees left of the nose. The pilot requested Runway 20. The controller replied with updated wind information of 100 degrees at 11 knots, described as a quartering tailwind, and cleared the pilot to land on Runway 20.

Landing and Gust

During the flare for landing on Runway 20, the pilot reported that a gust of wind lifted the left wing. As a result, the right wing and propeller made contact with the runway surface.

Additional Details

The pilot's report is the source of the gust information. The aircraft had a right wing and a propeller, which struck the runway. The wind data included both the initial and revised values. The crosswind component for Runway 14 was 50 degrees left of the nose, and the tailwind component for Runway 20 was quartering.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Springfield, MO?

A pilot experienced a gust of wind that lifted the left wing during flare, causing the right wing and propeller to strike the runway on Runway 20.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N9270J, operated by Donald L. & Donna F. Davis, at Springfield, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING A DOWNWIND LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14630. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.