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Airplane Veers Left After Crosswind Landing, Strikes Snowbank

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On March 28, 2020, a Piper PA32 300 was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and impact with a snowbank. 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

An airplane touched down in strong gusting crosswind, veered sharply left, exited the runway, and impacted a snowbank. The engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures.

Event Details

During a landing attempt in strong gusting crosswind conditions, an airplane touched down on the runway. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane veered sharply to the left, departing the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently struck a snowbank.

Damage

The impact with the snowbank resulted in substantial damage to the engine mount. No other damage was reported in the source.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operations. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had received more instruction in crosswind conditions.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotResponse/compensationEffect on operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Mar 2020 Piper PA32 300 accident near Fairbanks, AK?

An airplane touched down in strong gusting crosswind, veered sharply left, exited the runway, and impacted a snowbank. The engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Mar 2020 Piper PA32 300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Mar 2020 involved a Piper PA32 300, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and impact with a snowbank.

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