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Airplane Strikes Hangar After Landing Incident (N9778C)

Lexington, NC, US

On October 23, 1993, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N9778C) was involved in an aviation accident near Lexington, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A CROSSWIND LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND CONDITION. 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 reported that after landing on Runway 8, a gust of wind lifted the airplane and pushed it left. It touched down at the runway edge, departed, hit a berm, became airborne, and struck a hangar.

Incident Description

According to a pilot report, a landing incident occurred on Runway 8. After the initial touchdown and a short landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the airplane off the runway surface. The pilot reported the wind as coming from 060 degrees at 8 knots. The same gust pushed the airplane sideways to the left, causing it to leave the intended path. The airplane then touched down again at the left edge of the runway. Subsequently, it departed the runway completely and struck a berm. The impact with the berm caused the airplane to become airborne once more. Following this secondary liftoff, the airplane flew a short distance before colliding with a hangar.

The pilot provided all details of the event, including the wind conditions and the sequence of events. No further information regarding the aircraft or occupants was included in the report. The incident highlights the effects of wind gusts during the landing roll.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Oct 1993 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Lexington, NC?

A pilot reported that after landing on Runway 8, a gust of wind lifted the airplane and pushed it left. It touched down at the runway edge, departed, hit a berm, became airborne, and struck a hangar.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Oct 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N9778C, at Lexington, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A CROSSWIND LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND CONDITION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13521. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.