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Tailwheel Airplane Exits Runway After Crosswind Gust During Landing

Taos, NM, United States

On May 5, 2017, a CESSNA 170 A operated by SERENDIPITY FLYING CLUB was involved in an aviation accident near Taos, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions. 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 tailwheel airplane experienced a crosswind gust during landing, causing it to exit the runway and come to rest nose down, with substantial damage to the left wing.

Accident Overview

During a landing touchdown in crosswind conditions, a tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a strong wind gust that lifted the right wing. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, traveled down an embankment, and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane.

Pilot Report

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

Weather Conditions

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport indicated that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 280 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 22.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationEffect on equipment

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 2017 CESSNA 170 A accident near Taos, NM?

A tailwheel airplane experienced a crosswind gust during landing, causing it to exit the runway and come to rest nose down, with substantial damage to the left wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 2017 CESSNA 170 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 2017 involved a CESSNA 170 A, operated by SERENDIPITY FLYING CLUB, at Taos, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

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