No fatalities

Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Bounced Landing, Strikes Fence on Go-Around (N738WK)

Chesterfield, MO, US

On May 16, 1999, a Cessna R182 (registration N738WK) operated by Thunder Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Chesterfield, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to attain clearance over the fence. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control, the crosswind, and the fence posts. 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

During a landing on runway 08L with a crosswind of 10-15 knots from 170-210°, the aircraft bounced. After recovery, it veered left into grass. During go-around, it hit a fence support, damaging the horizontal stabilizer.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported landing on runway 08L under crosswind conditions. The wind was variable between 170 and 210 degrees at 10 to 15 knots. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot recovered by returning the aircraft to the runway on all three landing gear.

Loss of Directional Control

According to the pilot, the airspeed was high, and the aircraft "quickly veered" off the left side of the runway into the grass. The pilot then aborted the landing and initiated a climb.

Obstacle Strike

During the initial climb, the aircraft contacted metal supports for a temporary fence located approximately 20 to 30 yards from the runway. The strike resulted in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.

Return and Landing

The pilot continued the takeoff and returned to land without further incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 May 1999 Cessna R182 accident near Chesterfield, MO?

During a landing on runway 08L with a crosswind of 10-15 knots from 170-210°, the aircraft bounced. After recovery, it veered left into grass. During go-around, it hit a fence support, damaging the horizontal stabilizer.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 May 1999 Cessna R182 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 May 1999 involved a Cessna R182, registration N738WK, operated by Thunder Aviation, at Chesterfield, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to attain clearance over the fence. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control, the crosswind, and the fence posts.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18724. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.