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Crosswind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Structural Damage

Independence, IA, United States

On April 18, 2015, a CESSNA 195A operated by Hedeman, Donald L. was involved in an aviation accident near Independence, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempt to land in strong crosswind conditions, resulting in his on-ground loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind that exceeded the crosswind limits 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

During a crosswind landing on runway 36, the airplane touched down in a three-point attitude, then turned right and departed the runway, resulting in left main landing gear separation and left wing damage.

Accident Sequence

The pilot configured the airplane for a crosswind landing on runway 36 using crossed control inputs. After flaring, the airplane touched down in a three-point attitude. Rolling approximately 150 to 200 feet down the runway, the airplane began a slow right turn. The pilot applied left rudder and light braking in an attempt to correct the turn, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The left main landing gear was torn off, and the left wing was bent upward after striking the ground.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 100 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots. According to AeroPlanner.com's "Wind Calculator and Wind Speed Measurement," these conditions resulted in a crosswind component of 13.7 to 17.7 knots and a tailwind component of 2.5 to 3.2 knots. In the 1950s, maximum demonstrated crosswind components were not published by airframe manufacturers. Today, light general aviation airplanes are typically limited to a direct crosswind component of 15 knots.

Damage

The airplane sustained structural damage: the left main landing gear was torn off, and the left wing was bent upward. No other damage was reported.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Apr 2015 CESSNA 195A accident near Independence, IA?

During a crosswind landing on runway 36, the airplane touched down in a three-point attitude, then turned right and departed the runway, resulting in left main landing gear separation and left wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Apr 2015 CESSNA 195A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Apr 2015 involved a CESSNA 195A, operated by Hedeman, Donald L., at Independence, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to land in strong crosswind conditions, resulting in his on-ground loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind that exceeded the crosswind limits of the airplane.

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