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Loss of Directional Control During Landing Roll Due to Variable Crosswind

San Diego, CA, United States

On January 14, 2012, an EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR operated by SPORT AVIATION SALES LLC was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for a change in wind direction during the landing roll, resulting in loss of directional control. 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 full-stop landing, the pilot encountered a variable crosswind that shifted from left to right. Failure to compensate led to loss of directional control, departure from the runway, and substantial wing damage.

Accident Details

The pilot, intending to make a full-stop landing, noticed a crosswind from the left as the airplane crossed the runway threshold. During the landing roll, the wind changed to a crosswind from the right. The pilot did not adequately compensate for this change in wind direction, resulting in a loss of directional control. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway.

Damage

Both wings of the airplane sustained substantial damage during the runway excursion.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions related to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for a change in wind direction during the landing roll, resulting in loss of directional control.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jan 2012 EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR accident near San Diego, CA?

During a full-stop landing, the pilot encountered a variable crosswind that shifted from left to right. Failure to compensate led to loss of directional control, departure from the runway, and substantial wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jan 2012 EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jan 2012 involved an EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR, operated by SPORT AVIATION SALES LLC, at San Diego, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for a change in wind direction during the landing roll, resulting in loss of directional control.

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