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Piper PA-28-235 accident at Casa Grande, AZ, 29 Aug 1992 (N8647W)

Casa Grande, AZ, US

On August 29, 1992, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N8647W) operated by William S. Thomas was involved in an aviation accident near Casa Grande, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. THE GUSTY NATURE OF THE CROSS WIND CONDIITONS ENCOUNTERED WAS A FACTOR. 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

Probable cause

THE PILOTS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. THE GUSTY NATURE OF THE CROSS WIND CONDIITONS ENCOUNTERED WAS A FACTOR.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT SAID HE LANDED THE AIRCRAFT ON RUNWAY 5 AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER ENCOUNTERING A 'BAD CROSS WIND.' THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A RUNWAY LIGHT FIXTURE WITH THE LEFT WING TIP, CARTWHEELED, THEN NOSED OVER. A AUTOB WEATHER OBSERVATION TAKEN 5 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTING WINDS FROM 150 DEGREES AT 15 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 21 KNOTS.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 1992 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Casa Grande, AZ?

THE PILOT SAID HE LANDED THE AIRCRAFT ON RUNWAY 5 AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER ENCOUNTERING A 'BAD CROSS WIND.' THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A RUNWAY LIGHT FIXTURE WITH THE LEFT WING TIP, CARTWHEELED, THEN NOSED OVER. A AUTOB WEATHER OBSERVATION TAKEN 5 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTING WINDS FROM 150 DEGREES AT…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N8647W, operated by William S. Thomas, at Casa Grande, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOTS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. THE GUSTY NATURE OF THE CROSS WIND CONDIITONS ENCOUNTERED WAS A FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.