No fatalities

Gust of Wind During Landing Rollout Leads to Runway Excursion (N2534V)

Auburn, WA, US

On May 17, 1998, a Cessna 170 (registration N2534V) was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions. A related factor was gusty crosswinds. 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 a gust of wind lifted the right wing during landing rollout, causing the airplane to veer off the runway. The left wingtip struck the ground, turning the aircraft 90 degrees before it came to rest in a soft field.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing rollout, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the airplane to veer off the runway. The pilot stated that after the gust picked up the right wing, the airplane was blown off the runway surface.

Sequence of Events

Following the loss of directional control, the left wingtip struck the ground. This impact turned the airplane approximately 90 degrees from its original heading. The aircraft then touched down in a soft field located about 100 feet away from the runway.

Final Position

Upon touching down in the soft field, the right main wheel dug into the ground. This caused the airplane to tip up onto its right wing.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that during the landing, the crosswind was from the left at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

Mechanical Status

The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunction or failure was involved in the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 1998 Cessna 170 accident near Auburn, WA?

A pilot reported that a gust of wind lifted the right wing during landing rollout, causing the airplane to veer off the runway. The left wingtip struck the ground, turning the aircraft 90 degrees before it came to rest in a soft field.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 1998 Cessna 170 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 1998 involved a Cessna 170, registration N2534V, at Auburn, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions. A related factor was gusty crosswinds.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10195. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.