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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Drifts Off Runway During Touch-and-Go, Collides with Dirt Bank (N8098C)

Headland, AL, US

On September 5, 1992, a Piper PA-22T (registration N8098C) operated by Wilkes,jay W. was involved in an aviation accident near Headland, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EVALUATION OF WIND CONDITIONS AND SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A GUSTING TAIL WIND. 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

During a touch-and-go landing, a wind gust caused a left drift off the runway. Both pilots attempted corrections but failed, resulting in a collision with a dirt bank.

Incident Description

During a series of touch-and-go landings on runway 27, the pilot and a passenger—who was also a pilot—experienced a loss of control. On the third landing roll, a wind gust caused the airplane to drift left off the runway. Despite the pilot's efforts, control was not regained. The passenger then attempted to correct the drift but also failed. The airplane continued off the runway and struck a dirt bank.

Wind Conditions

At a nearby airport, the prevailing wind was reported from the east, gusting to 15 knots. The source does not specify the wind conditions at the accident location.

Mechanical Status

No mechanical problems were reported by the pilot following the incident.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15591. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.