No fatalities

Wind Gust Causes Drift and Unsuccessful Go-Around During Landing

Twisp, WA, United States

On April 3, 2017, a CESSNA 172 L operated by Louise Bighouse was involved in an aviation accident near Twisp, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing, which resulted in the airplane cartwheeling. 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 a gust of wind from the south caused the airplane to drift about 50 ft above the runway. The go-around attempt was unsuccessful, leading to the right wing impacting the ground and subsequent cartwheel, with substantial damage to both wings.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that while landing on runway 28, about 50 ft above the runway, a gust of wind from the south caused the airplane to drift. The pilot attempted a go-around but was unsuccessful. The right wing then impacted the ground, and the airplane subsequently cartwheeled.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings as a result of the accident sequence.

Pilot Report

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

Weather Conditions

According to the pilot, the wind around the time of the accident was variable from 6° to 8°, with wind gusts of 10 to 12 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 28.

Contributing factors

Causes

Crosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 2017 CESSNA 172 L accident near Twisp, WA?

A pilot reported that a gust of wind from the south caused the airplane to drift about 50 ft above the runway. The go-around attempt was unsuccessful, leading to the right wing impacting the ground and subsequent cartwheel, with substantial damage to both wings.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 2017 CESSNA 172 L accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 2017 involved a CESSNA 172 L, operated by Louise Bighouse, at Twisp, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing, which resulted in the airplane cartwheeling.