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Casualties unknown

Loss of Control During Crosswind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Berm Impact (N4009B)

Hollister, CA, US

On May 12, 2001, an Aeronca 7DC (registration N4009B) was involved in an aviation accident near Hollister, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's actions were inadequate to compensate for the surface wind. 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 landing on runway 31, a pilot encountered a left crosswind. After touchdown, the airplane yawed right, and the pilot's inadequate compensation resulted in loss of directional control, veering off the runway and striking a berm.

Incident Details

A single-engine airplane was approaching an airport for landing on runway 31. The pilot became aware that a left crosswind condition would be encountered during the landing. The runway is 6,350 feet long and 100 feet wide.

Sequence of Events

The pilot executed the landing with the airplane's left wing low to compensate for the crosswind. However, as the airplane decelerated, it yawed to the right. The pilot's actions were inadequate to compensate for the surface wind, which was from approximately 240 degrees at between 10 and 15 knots. Subsequently, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane veered to the right, departed the side of runway 31, and impacted a berm.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage from the impact with the berm. No further details are available from the source.

Probable cause

The pilot's actions were inadequate to compensate for the surface wind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 May 2001 Aeronca 7DC accident near Hollister, CA?

During landing on runway 31, a pilot encountered a left crosswind. After touchdown, the airplane yawed right, and the pilot's inadequate compensation resulted in loss of directional control, veering off the runway and striking a berm.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 May 2001 involved an Aeronca 7DC, registration N4009B, at Hollister, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's actions were inadequate to compensate for the surface wind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010518X00965. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.