Casualties unknown

Crosswind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Damage (N21A)

Northway, AK, US

On June 17, 2002, a Grumman G-21 (registration N21A) was involved in an aviation accident near Northway, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop/swerve. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind. 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 private pilot reported a strong right crosswind during landing on Runway 22. After touchdown, a gust lifted the right wing, causing the airplane to veer left, depart the runway, roll down an embankment, and hit trees.

Incident Overview

A certificated private pilot was conducting a landing approach to Runway 22 when he encountered a strong right crosswind. During the landing roll after touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the airplane to veer to the left. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, rolled down an embankment, and came to rest in a treed area.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident anomalies with the airplane, indicating that the event was solely due to the wind conditions encountered during the landing.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the crosswind was strong during the approach and that the gust after touchdown initiated the loss of directional control. No other factors were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020619X00928. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.