No fatalities

Airplane Strikes Runway Sign During Landing in Gusty Conditions (N26105)

New Holstein, WI, US

On February 23, 2002, a Cessna 172S (registration N26105) was involved in an aviation accident near New Holstein, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which 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; 1 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

An airplane struck a runway sign after veering off the runway during landing in gusty winds. The pilot had performed touch and go landings earlier and reported a loss of control during the flare.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing approach to runway 14, the airplane encountered gusty winds and subsequently struck a runway sign. The event occurred after the pilot had completed two touch-and-go landings at Sheboygan before proceeding to New Holstein.

Approach and Landing

According to the pilot, the landing approach to runway 14 was conducted with winds from 190 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots. During the landing flare, the airplane floated, prompting the pilot to add power in an attempt to regain control. The airplane touched down again, at which point the right wing lifted and the airplane turned approximately 20 to 30 degrees to the left.

Runway Excursion and Impact

The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway and headed toward a runway marker sign. The pilot added power but could not avoid the sign. The airplane made contact with the sign and continued to travel for approximately 400 feet before coming to a stop.

Pilot Report

The pilot provided the account of the sequence of events, stating that the airplane floated during the flare and that corrective actions were taken. The pilot did not report any injuries or additional damage beyond the contact with the sign.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 2002 Cessna 172S accident near New Holstein, WI?

An airplane struck a runway sign after veering off the runway during landing in gusty winds. The pilot had performed touch and go landings earlier and reported a loss of control during the flare.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Feb 2002 Cessna 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 2002 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N26105, at New Holstein, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in the failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind condition and the runway marker sign which the airplane contacted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020301X00294. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.