Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land on a runway with a prevailing crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot elected to land the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a runway with a direct crosswind. Moments later the airplane experienced a gust of wind and briefly went airborne. Once settled back to the ground, the airplane swerved to the left, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing tip impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. A review of airport information revealed that three runways were available for landing, one of which was nearly aligned with the prevailing winds. The airplane's right wing sustained structural damage during the accident. There were no reported malfunctions or failures with the airplane's controls.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA301 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Las Cruces International (LRU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N8042D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.