No fatalities

Beech 23 Strikes Brush After Crosswind Landing, Left Wing Partially Separated

Pineland, FL, United States

On February 10, 2008, a Beech 23 was involved in an aviation accident near Pineland, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. Contributing was the gusting wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing on a turf runway, a Beech 23 was struck by a gust, banked left, then after touchdown the left wing tip hit a bush, pivoting the aircraft into brush, causing partial wing separation.

Incident Details

The pilot of a Beech 23 reported that while crossing the approach end of a 1,800-foot-long by 130-foot-wide turf runway, the airplane encountered a "powerful gust" which induced a steep left bank. The pilot corrected the bank and leveled the wings. The airplane touched down with a heading approximately 10 degrees left of the runway centerline.

Sequence of Events

After rolling about 50 feet, the left wing tip contacted a bush. This contact pivoted the airplane further to the left. Subsequently, the airplane struck additional brush, resulting in a partial separation of the left wing from the fuselage.

Wind Conditions

The pilot estimated the winds during the landing approach as a 45- to 50-degree crosswind at 13 knots, with gusts ranging between 15 and 20 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

GustsObject/animal/substance

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 2008 Beech 23 accident near Pineland, FL?

During a crosswind landing on a turf runway, a Beech 23 was struck by a gust, banked left, then after touchdown the left wing tip hit a bush, pivoting the aircraft into brush, causing partial wing separation.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Feb 2008 Beech 23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 2008 involved a Beech 23, at Pineland, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. Contributing was the gusting wind conditions.