No fatalities

Pilot Reports Crosswind Landing Gust Leading to Runway Excursion and Nose-Over

Yucca Valley, CA, United States

On November 21, 2009, a CESSNA 172 was involved in an aviation accident near Yucca Valley, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gusts and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. 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 that during a crosswind landing, a gust between hangars caused the airplane to veer off the runway. After applying full power for a go-around, the aircraft impacted terrain and nosed over. No mechanical failures were noted.

Accident Overview

According to the Pilot/Operator Accident Report, the pilot was landing in a crosswind when a gust of wind coming between hangars caused the airplane to veer away from the wind and off the runway. The pilot applied full power in an attempt to execute a go-around but subsequently impacted terrain and nosed over.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The event occurred during a landing approach in crosswind conditions. The gust of wind that passed between hangars was identified as the cause of the veer, leading to the runway excursion.

Aircraft and Engine Status

No mechanical issues were reported with the aircraft or engine. The pilot confirmed that the airplane and engine operated normally throughout the flight, and the accident was attributed solely to the gust encountered during the landing.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedResponse/compensationPilot

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Nov 2009 CESSNA 172 accident near Yucca Valley, CA?

A pilot reported that during a crosswind landing, a gust between hangars caused the airplane to veer off the runway. After applying full power for a go-around, the aircraft impacted terrain and nosed over. No mechanical failures were noted.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Nov 2009 CESSNA 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Nov 2009 involved a CESSNA 172, at Yucca Valley, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gusts and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.