Casualties unknown

Pilot admits fault after aircraft leaves runway into ditch due to crosswind (N2970P)

Akron, CO, US

On June 6, 2001, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N2970P) was involved in an aviation accident near Akron, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for a left crosswind during landing, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a ditch. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed on runway 11 but departed the left side into a ditch, later admitting failure to adequately compensate for a left crosswind during the landing roll.

What happened

The pilot monitored the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) data prior to attempting the approach. Recorded wind conditions indicated a direction of 030 degrees at a speed of 13 knots. Based on these observations, the pilot proceeded with the landing on runway 11.

As the aircraft decelerated along the runway surface, the pilot lowered the tail and executed a turn into the wind. During this maneuver, the airplane departed from the left side of the paved surface. The aircraft subsequently collided with a ditch located adjacent to the runway.

The investigation

Following the incident, the pilot provided a statement regarding the circumstances leading to the departure from the runway. The pilot acknowledged that she failed to adequately compensate for the left crosswind conditions during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for a left crosswind during landing, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010611X01145. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.