On May 1, 1995, a Cessna 152 (registration N47331) was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot failed to correct for a strong crosswind after landing at DuPage Airport, causing the aircraft to exit the runway right edge without taking corrective action.
What happened
The aircraft departed the right-hand edge of Runway 10 at DuPage Airport shortly after touchdown. The incident occurred during a period of significant crosswind conditions. According to reports, the student pilot operating the aircraft chose not to apply any corrective steering inputs. This decision was driven by a concern that such maneuvers might cause the airplane to flip over or sustain severe structural damage.
Findings
Meteorological data indicates challenging landing conditions at the time of the event. Winds reported seven minutes after the accident were from 050 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot's hesitation to counteract the crosswind resulted in the aircraft leaving the paved surface.
Safety message
Pilots must be trained to confidently manage crosswind landings. Fear of over-controlling should not prevent necessary corrections to maintain runway alignment during the critical touchdown phase.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway.
What happened in the 1 May 1995 Cessna 152 accident near West Chicago, IL?
A student pilot failed to correct for a strong crosswind after landing at DuPage Airport, causing the aircraft to exit the runway right edge without taking corrective action.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 May 1995 involved a Cessna 152, registration N47331, at West Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway.
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