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Landing Gear Collapse After Loss of Directional Control at St. Louis Downtown Airport (N96033)

Cahokia, IL, US

On March 8, 2003, an Aviat A-1 (registration N96033) operated by John B. Brnjac was involved in an aviation accident near Cahokia, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane which resulted in a ground loop. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty crosswind condition. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The airplane experienced a landing gear collapse after losing directional control while landing on runway 12R at St. Louis Downtown Airport, Cahokia, Illinois. The pilot reported a wind shift, swerving, and running out of aileron authority.

Incident Overview

The airplane sustained a landing gear collapse following a loss of directional control during landing on runway 12R at St. Louis Downtown Airport, located in Cahokia, Illinois.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the wind shifted during the landing, causing the airplane to swerve on the runway. He stated that he added a small amount of power in an attempt to straighten the airplane, but he "ran out" of aileron authority. Subsequently, the airplane continued off the runway, where the landing gear collapsed.

Wind Conditions

Local wind reports from CPS indicated variable conditions around the time of the incident. At 0853, the wind was from 180 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots. At 0953, the wind was from 180 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. At 1053, the wind was from 200 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the airplane is 15 miles per hour.

No other details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided. The investigation did not identify a probable cause for the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Mar 2003 Aviat A-1 accident near Cahokia, IL?

The airplane experienced a landing gear collapse after losing directional control while landing on runway 12R at St. Louis Downtown Airport, Cahokia, Illinois. The pilot reported a wind shift, swerving, and running out of aileron authority.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Mar 2003 Aviat A-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Mar 2003 involved an Aviat A-1, registration N96033, operated by John B. Brnjac, at Cahokia, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane which resulted in a ground loop. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty crosswind condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030328X00409. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.