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Wing Tip Strike During Landing Roll After Loss of Directional Control in Crosswind

Bend, OR, United States

On April 26, 2008, a Cessna 185E operated by Brian P. Schaffner was involved in an aviation accident near Bend, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was an unexpected crosswind gust. 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

On approach, the pilot encountered mild thermal turbulence and a gusting crosswind during the landing roll, resulting in loss of directional control and a wing tip strike, causing aileron damage.

Approach and Landing

During the inbound phase to the airport, the winds were variable in direction at five knots or less. While on final approach for a full-stop landing, the pilot encountered mild thermal turbulence. The flare and touchdown were uneventful.

Loss of Directional Control

During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gusting crosswind. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control. After the loss of control, the right wing tip impacted the runway surface.

Damage

The impact bent the most outboard one foot of the right aileron down approximately 45 degrees and aft approximately 30 degrees.

Inspection

Post-accident inspection of the aircraft found no anomalies in the flight control or tail wheel steering systems.

Contributing factors

Causes

Crosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

CrosswindGustsRunway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 2008 Cessna 185E accident near Bend, OR?

On approach, the pilot encountered mild thermal turbulence and a gusting crosswind during the landing roll, resulting in loss of directional control and a wing tip strike, causing aileron damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Apr 2008 Cessna 185E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 2008 involved a Cessna 185E, operated by Brian P. Schaffner, at Bend, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was an unexpected crosswind gust.

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