Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a crosswind landing. Contributing to the accident was the instructor's delayed action in regaining control of the airplane.
NTSB analysis
According to the instructor, the pilot's previous landings had been “nice.” Upon touchdown on the last landing, the pilot added aft elevator and left aileron control to correct for the crosswind, but failed to use sufficient right rudder. The instructor told the pilot to use more rudder. The pilot added too much rudder, and the airplane yawed to the right. The instructor was unable to correct with opposite rudder. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway and the left gear separated, causing the left wing and propeller to strike the ground. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA376 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Fort Collins-Loveland Airport (FNL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N5824D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.