No fatalities

17 May 2009: PIPER PA-22-150 — Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces, NM, United States

On 17 May 2009, a PIPER PA-22-150 was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land on a runway with a prevailing crosswind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel-equipped airplane landed on a runway with a direct crosswind, experienced a gust, became airborne momentarily, then swerved left, collapsing the right main landing gear and striking the right wing tip on the ground.

Accident Overview

A pilot operating a tailwheel-equipped airplane elected to land on a runway with a direct crosswind. During the landing roll, a gust of wind caused the airplane to become airborne momentarily. After settling back to the ground, the airplane swerved to the left, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear and the right wing tip impacting the ground.

Aftermath and Damage

The airplane came to rest in an upright position. The pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted, indicating no incapacitation. Post-accident inspection revealed structural damage to the right wing. No malfunctions or failures with the airplane's controls were reported.

Airport Information

Review of airport information indicated that three runways were available for landing. One of these runways was nearly aligned with the prevailing winds at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause

The source does not provide a probable cause for this accident.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedAbility to respond/compensate