FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Pilot Reports Gusty Crosswind During Landing at Wittman Field (N9231D)

Oshkosh, WI, US

On April 4, 1997, a Piper PA-22 (registration N9231D) was involved in an aviation accident near Oshkosh, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain proper runway alignment, which resulted in a subsequent nose over. The gusty crosswind condition 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during rollout after landing, a gust of wind from the left lifted the left wing, causing the airplane to depart the runway and flip inverted. The wings sustained substantial damage.

Incident Details

According to the pilot's report, the flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) with a check of the current weather via the Wittman Field Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). The pilot noted a crosswind from the southwest at 14 knots with gusts. The landing was performed on runway 27, which the pilot described as a normal crosswind landing.

During the rollout, a gust of wind from the left caused the left wing to rise. The pilot applied aileron correction but reported being unable to compensate for the gusts. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway and flipped over, coming to rest inverted.

Damage

The aircraft's wings sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated: "During rollout a gust of wind came from the left and the left went up." He corrected with aileron "but was unable to compensate for the gusts." The airplane exited the runway to the right and flipped.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 1997 Piper PA-22 accident near Oshkosh, WI?

A pilot reported that during rollout after landing, a gust of wind from the left lifted the left wing, causing the airplane to depart the runway and flip inverted. The wings sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Apr 1997 Piper PA-22 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 1997 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N9231D, at Oshkosh, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain proper runway alignment, which resulted in a subsequent nose over. The gusty crosswind condition was a related factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07679. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.