Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the crosswind landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane with a 10 to 12 knot crosswind when the accident occurred. He reported that upon touchdown, the airplane weathervaned into the wind. He applied full aileron into the wind and opposite rudder to compensate. The airplane turned into the wind and continued off the runway, where it traveled through a ditch and contacted a two-foot deep rut prior to coming to a stop. The right wing was substantially damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA306 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 23, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Crosby, North Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Crosby Municipal Airport (D50)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N3854P
- 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.