No fatalities

High-Speed Approach Leads to Runway Excursion and Gear Collapse

Texarkana, AR, United States

On September 24, 2011, a PIPER PA-28-181 operated by TEXARKANA FLYING CLUB INC was involved in an aviation accident near Texarkana, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's approach at a higher than normal airspeed and failure to correct for a crosswind, resulting in the airplane drifting off the runway and sustaining landing gear and wing damage. 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

An airplane touched down on grass after a high-speed approach and drifted right due to uncorrected crosswind, causing the right main and nose gear to collapse and substantial damage to the right wing.

Accident Sequence

The pilot conducted an approach to the runway at a higher than normal airspeed. As a result, the airplane floated down the runway. While attempting to reduce airspeed, the pilot did not correct for a crosswind, causing the airplane to drift to the right. The airplane subsequently touched down on the grass adjacent to the runway and then ran up onto a taxiway.

Damage and Mechanical Condition

Upon impact with the ground, the right main landing gear and nose gear collapsed. The right wing also struck the ground and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Actions

The pilot's approach at an excessive airspeed and failure to compensate for crosswind conditions led to the loss of directional control and the subsequent excursion from the runway surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's approach at a higher than normal airspeed and failure to correct for a crosswind, resulting in the airplane drifting off the runway and sustaining landing gear and wing damage.

Contributing factors

PilotResponse/compensation

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Sept 2011 PIPER PA-28-181 accident near Texarkana, AR?

An airplane touched down on grass after a high-speed approach and drifted right due to uncorrected crosswind, causing the right main and nose gear to collapse and substantial damage to the right wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Sept 2011 PIPER PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Sept 2011 involved a PIPER PA-28-181, operated by TEXARKANA FLYING CLUB INC, at Texarkana, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's approach at a higher than normal airspeed and failure to correct for a crosswind, resulting in the airplane drifting off the runway and sustaining landing gear and wing damage.