Casualties unknown

Single-Engine Airplane Swerves During Crosswind Landing, Wing Strikes Runway (N872CC)

Bryce Canyon, UT, US

On June 27, 2001, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N872CC) was involved in an aviation accident near Bryce Canyon, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane swerved left due to a possible gust of wind or the pilot being too slow in rudder correction. Subsequent hard right rudder input led to an uncontrollable rapid right turn, resulting in the left wing striking the runway. 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 performing a crosswind landing experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll. The airplane swerved left, then sharply right after corrective rudder input, resulting in the left wing striking the runway and causing main spar damage.

Approach and Landing

As the pilot approached the airport, he monitored the ASOS weather broadcast and learned that the winds were from 120 degrees at 12 knots. The airport had a single asphalt runway oriented 03-21. These conditions presented a direct 90-degree crosswind relative to the runway.

The pilot initially made a touch-and-go landing on runway 03, then turned around and landed on runway 21.

Loss of Control

During the landing roll on runway 21, the airplane swerved to the left. According to the pilot, this was due to a "possible gust of wind or [the] pilot was too slow in rudder correction." In response, the pilot applied "hard right rudder." The airplane then responded with a "rapid turn to the right" that the pilot was unable to counter.

Damage

As a result of the uncontrolled turn, the left wing struck the runway surface, causing main spar damage.

Investigation

The investigation did not determine a precise cause for the loss of control, but noted the pilot's description of events.

Probable cause

The airplane swerved left due to a possible gust of wind or the pilot being too slow in rudder correction. Subsequent hard right rudder input led to an uncontrollable rapid right turn, resulting in the left wing striking the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010719X01458. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.