No fatalities

Hard Landing and Runway Excursion After Sudden Crosswind Decrease

Marble Canyon, AZ, United States

On March 14, 2008, a Beech C23 operated by Russell L. Gardner was involved in an aviation accident near Marble Canyon, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the flare. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind. 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

A pilot reported a hard landing and runway excursion after a sudden decrease in crosswind during flare. The aircraft sustained damage to nose wheel, left main landing gear, windshield, and vertical stabilizer.

Event Details

The pilot reported that after overflying the airport, he decided to land on runway 21. He extended the wing flaps to the 25-degree position during the approach to landing. The pilot observed that the wind sock was about halfway extended, and he estimated that the wind was from 270 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 25 knots.

Landing

During the landing flare, the crosswind suddenly decreased in intensity, and the airplane impacted hard onto the runway's surface. Thereafter, the airplane veered right and exited the runway.

Aftermath

Inspection of the airframe revealed that the nose wheel and the left main landing gear separated from the airframe, the windshield cracked, and the vertical stabilizer was bent. The pilot did not indicate that he had experienced any mechanical malfunction or abnormality with his airplane prior to the mishap.

Contributing factors

GustsCrosswindCrosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedAirspeed — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Mar 2008 Beech C23 accident near Marble Canyon, AZ?

A pilot reported a hard landing and runway excursion after a sudden decrease in crosswind during flare. The aircraft sustained damage to nose wheel, left main landing gear, windshield, and vertical stabilizer.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Mar 2008 Beech C23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Mar 2008 involved a Beech C23, operated by Russell L. Gardner, at Marble Canyon, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the flare. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind.