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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Gust of Wind During Landing Roll on Runway 16 (N40520)

Kemmerer, WY, US

On April 20, 2003, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N40520) was involved in an aviation accident near Kemmerer, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind during the landing roll which resulted in a ground loop/swerve and impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the wind gust and the ditch. 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
Aircraft registered N40520
Aircraft registered N40520. Photo: Tequask / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot reported encountering a gust of wind during the landing roll on runway 16, causing the airplane to swerve right and depart the runway. The left main landing gear struck a ditch and the left wing tip struck the ground.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported a gust of wind during the landing roll on runway 16, which led to a runway excursion. The pilot stated that while en route, she received Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) weather updates. Approximately 30 minutes before landing, the reported winds at the airport were 160 degrees at 6 knots. Approximately 10 nautical miles out, an update indicated that the winds were 120 degrees at 3 knots.

Landing Sequence

During the landing roll on runway 16, the pilot encountered a gust of wind. She attempted to regain control, but the airplane swerved to the right and departed the right side of the runway. The left main landing gear struck a ditch and the left wing tip struck the ground.

Aftermath

No further details were provided in the pilot's statement. The report does not mention any injuries or damage beyond the runway excursion and contact with the ditch and ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 2003 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Kemmerer, WY?

A pilot reported encountering a gust of wind during the landing roll on runway 16, causing the airplane to swerve right and depart the runway. The left main landing gear struck a ditch and the left wing tip struck the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 2003 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N40520, at Kemmerer, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind during the landing roll which resulted in a ground loop/swerve and impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the wind gust and the ditch.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030424X00561. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.