No fatalities

Crosswind Landing Results in Runway Excursion and Fence Impact

San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

On March 17, 2009, a PIPER PA-24-250 operated by HODSON KEITH D was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds during touchdown. 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 runway 29, the left landing gear contacted first, and insufficient rudder correction caused the aircraft to veer left, exit the runway, and hit a fence. The right wing sustained damage.

Incident Details

The pilot reported that during touchdown on runway 29, a change in the right crosswind component caused the downwind (left) landing gear to contact the ground first. Despite subsequent right rudder corrections, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway, continued down an embankment, and impacted an airport perimeter fence.

Damage

The right wing received an 18-inch-deep by 8-inch-wide indentation approximately 4 feet outboard of the wing root. Additionally, the right wing tip fuel tank sustained impact damage.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the incident, reported winds at the airport were from 020 degrees at 9 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotResponse/compensationDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome