No fatalities

Training Flight Ends with Wing Strike on Distance Marker (N8258A)

ST Augustine, FL, US

On October 4, 1992, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8258A) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Augustine, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO ASSURE ADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND AND TURBULENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. 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

During a training flight, a student pilot practicing landings encountered turbulence, resulting in an uncontrolled roll. The instructor landed on grass, where the right wing struck a distance remaining marker.

Overview

A flight instructor (CFI) reported that a student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on runway 31. At the time, the wind was reported to be from 220 degrees at 15 knots with gusts. During an approach to land, the airplane encountered turbulence. At an altitude of about 10 feet or less, the airplane rolled uncontrollably to the right. The CFI took control of the airplane and landed on the grass beside the runway. During the rollout, the right wing collided with a distance remaining marker. The accident was reported to the NTSB by the FAA on October 4, 1995, after they were informed by an anonymous caller.

Sequence of Events

The flight instructor and student pilot were engaged in routine training maneuvers on runway 31. The wind conditions, which included gusts, were reported as 220 degrees at 15 knots. As the aircraft approached to land, it encountered turbulence, leading to a sudden and uncontrollable roll to the right at an altitude of approximately 10 feet or less. The instructor immediately assumed control of the aircraft and executed a landing on the grass adjacent to the runway. During the landing rollout, the right wing made contact with a distance remaining marker situated along the runway edge.

Post-Accident Reporting

The accident was not immediately reported to authorities. It came to light when an anonymous caller informed the FAA, which then reported the incident to the NTSB on October 4, 1995.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 1992 Piper PA-28-161 accident near ST Augustine, FL?

During a training flight, a student pilot practicing landings encountered turbulence, resulting in an uncontrolled roll. The instructor landed on grass, where the right wing struck a distance remaining marker.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Oct 1992 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8258A, at ST Augustine, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO ASSURE ADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND AND TURBULENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15919. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.