Casualties unknown

Gust of Wind Lifts Airplane During Landing, Leading to Sign Strike (N197T)

Kansas City, MO, US

On July 26, 2007, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N197T) was involved in an aviation accident near Kansas City, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to manitain directional control during landing which resulted in the airplane striking a taxiway sign during the aborted landing. The crosswind and the sign were factors. 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 gust of wind lifted the airplane during landing on runway 19, causing a loss of rudder control. The pilot added power, regained control, but struck a taxiway sign. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Summary

A certified flight instructor reported that during a landing on runway 19, a gust of wind lifted the airplane from the ground and weathervaned it into the wind. The airplane did not respond to rudder input, prompting the instructor to add more power to regain control authority. The airplane then responded and realigned with the runway heading. The instructor added full power for liftoff, but during the maneuver, he heard and felt the aircraft strike a sign. He subsequently landed the airplane without further incident.

Pilot Account

According to the instructor, the flight touched down on the centerline of runway 19. Shortly after touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the airplane, causing it to weathervane. Despite applying rudder input, the airplane did not respond. The instructor then increased power to gain more control. The airplane responded and returned to the runway heading, at which point the instructor applied full power for liftoff. During the attempted go-around, the aircraft hit a taxiway sign. The instructor was able to land safely thereafter.

Environmental Conditions

The winds at the time were reported as 240 degrees at 10 knots. The gusty conditions were a factor in the loss of control during the landing roll.

Aircraft Examination

The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane. A post-incident inspection confirmed that a taxiway sign had been struck. No other damage was noted in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070911X01369. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.