On March 17, 1993, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2440T) operated by Westwind Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mason, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in the aircraft bouncing off the runway and striking a snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot lost control during a crosswind landing on runway 27, causing the aircraft to bounce off the pavement and strike a snowbank.
What happened
The accident occurred while a student pilot was conducting his third solo flight. The pilot was operating the aircraft at an airport where he was scheduled to perform both landing and takeoff operations on runway 27. According to the flight instructor, who was monitoring the situation, wind conditions were approximately 10 to 13 knots blowing directly across the landing runway.
During the approach and touchdown phase, the aircraft bounced upon contact with the pavement. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control following the bounce. The airplane departed the paved surface of the runway and impacted a snowbank located adjacent to the airfield.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in the aircraft bouncing off the runway and striking a snowbank.
What happened in the 17 Mar 1993 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Mason, MI?
A student pilot lost control during a crosswind landing on runway 27, causing the aircraft to bounce off the pavement and strike a snowbank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Mar 1993 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2440T, operated by Westwind Aviation, Inc., at Mason, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in the aircraft bouncing off the runway and striking a snowbank.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…