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Student Pilot Noses Over After Losing Directional Control on Landing at Palwaukee Airport (N98629)

Wheeling, IL, US

On September 26, 2000, a Cessna 172P (registration N98629) operated by American Flyers was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind that resulted in the failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that during landing at Palwaukee Airport, the airplane exited the runway right side, contacted a drainage ditch, and nosed over. The pilot's logbook endorsement limited crosswinds to 7 knots, while winds were reported as 250° at 11 knots gusting 17 knots.

Accident Details

A student pilot was operating a cross-country flight when, upon returning to Palwaukee Airport, the pilot was cleared to land on runway 16. According to the pilot, the winds were from 250 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. During the landing, the airplane lost directional control, traveled off the right side of the runway, and contacted a drainage ditch, causing the airplane to nose over.

Pilot Background

The student pilot had received a weather briefing from the Kankakee Flight Service Station prior to the cross-country flight. The pilot's logbook was endorsed for the cross-country flight, and that endorsement included a 7 knots crosswind limitation.

Runway and Wind Information

Palwaukee Airport has another runway oriented 24/06. The pilot was cleared to land on runway 16. The wind was reported from 250 degrees, which resulted in a crosswind component relative to runway 16.

Aircraft Performance Information

According to a Cessna 172P Information Manual, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for that airplane model is 15 knots.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Sept 2000 Cessna 172P accident near Wheeling, IL?

A student pilot reported that during landing at Palwaukee Airport, the airplane exited the runway right side, contacted a drainage ditch, and nosed over. The pilot's logbook endorsement limited crosswinds to 7 knots, while winds were reported as 250° at 11 knots gusting 17 knots.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Sept 2000 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Sept 2000 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N98629, operated by American Flyers, at Wheeling, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind that resulted in the failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind, the ditch, the student's lack of experience, and the poor in-flight planning decision to land on a runway with a direct…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21940. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.