Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate directional control during a crosswind landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was attempting to land on an island sandbar with a 6- to 8-knot left crosswind. He stated that he had previously performed the same landing in the accident airplane, which was equipped with oversized tundra tires. As the airplane descended below the nearby treetops, the crosswind component diminished, and the airplane began drifting left of the desired landing path. Shortly after touchdown, the left wingtip collided with shrubs and trees, which caused the airplane to veer into a marsh area. The right main landing gear sunk into the soft terrain, and the right wing impacted terrain. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA328 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 7, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fredenberg Township, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N195T
- 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.