Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he configured the airplane for a crosswind landing with the application of left aileron and right rudder. He initially touched down on the main landing gear when the aircraft bounced and became airborne again. The pilot added power to prepare for a three-point landing, and touched back on the runway again. According to statements from the pilot and passenger, the airplane immediately veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with left rudder and add full power for a go-around. The pilot failed to gain control of the aircraft and spun 180 degrees off the right side of the runway. The aircraft’s left main gear collapsed upon leaving the runway, causing the propeller and left wing to strike the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09TA374 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alpine, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Alpine - Casparis Muni (E38)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N2320P
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- Public aircraft
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.