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Landing Incident During Go-Around After Drift on Runway 28 (N9218W)

Truckee, CA, US

On August 5, 1996, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9218W) was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to properly compensate for a crosswind component during the go-around in a high density altitude environment that led to a loss of aircraft control.. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft executed a go-around during a landing on runway 28 in gusty crosswinds and high density altitude, but drifted off the runway, contacted a dirt mound, and spun 180 degrees.

Approach and Landing Attempt

The aircraft was on approach to land on runway 28. Surface winds were from 250 degrees at 13 knots with gusts to 22 knots. The density altitude was 8,150 feet. During the landing flare, the left wing of the aircraft rose, and the aircraft began drifting toward the right side of the runway.

Go-Around and Runway Excursion

The pilot elected to perform a go-around and applied full throttle. During the go-around, the aircraft continued to drift off the runway. The right main landing gear subsequently contacted a mound of dirt. This caused the aircraft to settle back to the ground and spin around 180 degrees.

Mechanical Condition

There were no reported mechanical problems with the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1996 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Truckee, CA?

An aircraft executed a go-around during a landing on runway 28 in gusty crosswinds and high density altitude, but drifted off the runway, contacted a dirt mound, and spun 180 degrees.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Aug 1996 Piper PA-28-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9218W, at Truckee, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to properly compensate for a crosswind component during the go-around in a high density altitude environment that led to a loss of aircraft control..

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06546. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.