No fatalities

Airplane Departs Runway During Landing Roll After Crosswind Encounter

Vernal, UT, United States

On June 26, 2015, a CESSNA 172N N was involved in an aviation accident near Vernal, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with an airport sign. 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 landing roll, a pilot encountered a crosswind causing the left wing to lift and the airplane to drift left. Despite corrective inputs, the airplane departed the runway, struck an airport sign, and came to rest on an adjacent runway.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, he encountered a crosswind which caused the left wing to lift and the airplane to drift left of the centerline. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied right rudder and brake. However, the airplane continued to the left and departed the runway.

During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted an airport sign before coming to rest on an adjacent runway.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft Damage

Substantial damage was found to the right elevator and firewall.

Wind Conditions

The reported winds at the airport around the time of the accident were from 080 degrees true at 11 knots. This created a crosswind component of 2 knots for a landing on runway 07.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jun 2015 CESSNA 172N N accident near Vernal, UT?

During landing roll, a pilot encountered a crosswind causing the left wing to lift and the airplane to drift left. Despite corrective inputs, the airplane departed the runway, struck an airport sign, and came to rest on an adjacent runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jun 2015 CESSNA 172N N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jun 2015 involved a CESSNA 172N N, at Vernal, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with an airport sign.