Aircraft nosed over during landing at airport

Casualties unknown • Iowa Falls, IA, US

A pilot experienced a loss of control during a crosswind landing, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and nosed over in a field.

What happened

During the landing phase on runway 31, the pilot of the aircraft was managing a crosswind from 240 degrees at 11 knots. To compensate for the wind, the pilot lowered the left wing and applied right rudder during the approach.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot failed to react quickly enough by re-lowering the left wing, which allowed the wind to lift the left side of the plane. This resulted in the aircraft operating on the right main gear only. As the aircraft began to ground loop, the pilot applied right rudder in an attempt to correct the direction; however, the aircraft had already drifted off the side of the runway.

The aircraft traveled into a plowed bean field, where it subsequently nosed over and tipped onto its right wing. There were no reported fatalities or injuries in this incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to quickly correct the aircraft's wing position following a bounce during a crosswind landing led to a loss of control and subsequent excursion from the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-01-21 Piper PA-22-160 accident near Iowa Falls, IA?

A pilot experienced a loss of control during a crosswind landing, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and nosed over in a field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-01-21 involved a Piper PA-22-160, registration N9248D, at Iowa Falls, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to quickly correct the aircraft's wing position following a bounce during a crosswind landing led to a loss of control and subsequent excursion from the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020124X00112. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…