No fatalities

Private Pilot Experiences Stall and Hard Landing During Crosswind Practice

Burlington, WI, United States

On September 16, 2021, a NAVION Navion H operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Burlington, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during landing with a gusting crosswind that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard impact on the runway. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind takeoff and landing practice, a private pilot encountered increased gusts, lowered the wing into the wind about 4-5 ft above the runway, resulting in a stall and hard landing. Substantial damage to the right wing occurred.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was conducting personal flight operations, practicing crosswind takeoff and landing procedures. During the second attempt, the pilot encountered an increased crosswind with gusts. While approximately 4 to 5 feet above the runway surface, the pilot lowered the right wing into the wind to counteract drift and maintain runway alignment.

Pilot Actions

To prevent the airplane from drifting off the side of the runway, the pilot deliberately lowered the right wing into the wind. This maneuver was performed at a low altitude, just above the runway. The airplane subsequently stalled, resulting in a hard landing on the runway.

Aircraft Damage

The hard landing caused substantial damage to the right wing of the airplane. The extent of damage indicates a significant impact. No other damage to the aircraft or surrounding property was reported.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane. The incident occurred solely due to the pilot's actions during the crosswind landing attempt. No injuries were reported.

Contributing factors

Flight crewPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained