Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land in gusty crosswinds, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the crosswinds.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing a night visual landing to runway 20. He stated this was the only runway available for night landings. During the approach winds were 290 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots. After touchdown the airplane went to the right and impacted a snow drift beside the runway. The maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for this airplane was 21 knots. Examination of the airplane revealed that both wing spars were bent.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 24, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna T210L
- N-number
- N732DK
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.