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Landing Gear Collapses After Wind Gust During Landing at Pine Mountain Lake Airport

Groveland, CA, United States

On June 28, 2008, a Beech F33/G operated by ZPlane, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Groveland, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions and failure to maintain proper alignment at touchdown resulting in a side load on the landing gear, which caused them to collapse. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during the landing flare at Pine Mountain Lake Airport, a wind gust blew the airplane off the runway centerline, leading to a lateral touchdown and landing gear collapse, with substantial wing damage.

Accident Sequence

According to a written statement from the pilot, the landing approach was made to runway 9 at Pine Mountain Lake Airport. During the landing flare, a wind gust caused the airplane to deviate from the runway centerline flight path. The pilot reported that the airspeed was too low to execute a go-around, so he attempted to realign the airplane with the centerline. The airplane touched down while moving laterally, resulting in side loading of the landing gear, which then collapsed.

Damage

Following the landing gear collapse, the airplane exited the runway and came to a stop. The wings sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot indicated that wind gusts of 10 knots were present at the accident site. He also stated that the airplane and engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Contributing factors

Causes

Crosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedHeading/course — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

CrosswindGustsCapability exceeded

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 2008 Beech F33/G accident near Groveland, CA?

A pilot reported that during the landing flare at Pine Mountain Lake Airport, a wind gust blew the airplane off the runway centerline, leading to a lateral touchdown and landing gear collapse, with substantial wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 2008 Beech F33/G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 2008 involved a Beech F33/G, operated by ZPlane, LLC, at Groveland, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions and failure to maintain proper alignment at touchdown resulting in a side load on the landing gear, which caused them to collapse.

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