Casualties unknown

Airplane Experiences Wind Gust After Touchdown, Departs Runway and Impacts Taxiway (CFKLW)

Roanoke, VA, US

On May 12, 2003, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration CFKLW) was involved in an aviation accident near Roanoke, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds, and failure to maintain directional control. A factor in this accident was the gusty wind conditions. 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

During landing on runway 24, a wind gust caused the airplane to become airborne again. It departed the left side of the runway and impacted a taxiway, damaging the tail and fuselage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

A pilot was landing on runway 24 when the airplane encountered a wind gust immediately after touchdown. The gust caused the airplane to become airborne once more and veer off the left side of the runway. The subsequent impact occurred on a taxiway.

Damage

The impact resulted in damage to the horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, rudder, right elevator, and portions of the fuselage.

Pilot and Mechanical Status

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to or during the event.

Weather Conditions

Wind conditions recorded at the airport around the time of the accident were from 290 degrees at 19 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030515X00667. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.