Probable cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for gusting crosswinds resultuing in the loss of directional control while landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was landing his single-engine airplane in a crosswind when he encountered a wind gust of 15-20 knots during the landing flare. The airplane went off the left side of the runway and the left horizontal stabilizer struck a precision approach path indicator light, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot reported that he should have anticipated a higher crosswind component and possible gusts during the landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA212 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 17, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coldwater, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Commanche County (3K8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N81772
- 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.