On November 5, 2003, a Piper PA-28-160 (registration N5203W) was involved in an aviation accident near Amarillo, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind condition. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft, and the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A 30-hour student pilot veered off the runway after failing to release right rudder during a crosswind landing, overcorrected with left rudder, and struck two fences.
Incident Details
A student pilot with 30 hours of flight time was landing on runway 17 after completing their first cross-country flight. The pilot applied right rudder pressure to compensate for a prevailing crosswind. After touchdown, the pilot failed to release the right rudder, causing the airplane to veer to the right side of the runway. In response, the pilot overcorrected by applying left rudder, which directed the airplane off the left side of the runway.
The airplane then struck two fences before coming to a stop. The pilot reported that the winds at the time of the accident were from 150 degrees at 8 to 9 knots. No further details about the aircraft or injuries were provided.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Nov 2003 Piper PA-28-160 accident near Amarillo, TX?
A 30-hour student pilot veered off the runway after failing to release right rudder during a crosswind landing, overcorrected with left rudder, and struck two fences.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Nov 2003 Piper PA-28-160 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Nov 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-160, registration N5203W, at Amarillo, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind condition. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft, and the crosswind.
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