Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Ditch During Crosswind Landing at Mountain Airstrip (N5352P)

Stanley, ID, US

On July 10, 1996, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5352P) was involved in an aviation accident near Stanley, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind was a related factor. 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

On approach to a mountain airstrip, a pilot encountered crosswinds requiring left rudder. After touchdown, the airplane skidded left, struck a ditch, and collapsed the landing gear.

Incident Overview

While on an approach to land at a mountain airstrip, the pilot encountered crosswinds. During the flare, substantial left rudder was required to counteract the crosswind. After touchdown, the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot attempted to recover with right rudder, but the airplane continued to skid left on the turf runway.

Aircraft and Controls

The airplane was not equipped with toe brakes, which prevented the pilot from using differential braking to correct the skid. Without this capability, the pilot was unable to counteract the leftward movement.

Outcome

The airplane continued to the left, struck a ditch, and came to a stop. The impact caused the landing gear to collapse and resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Comments

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or pilot injuries were provided in the source. The investigation did not state a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06368. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.