Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a wind gust during the landing roll, which lifted the left wing and caused the airplane to swerve to the right. The pilot responded with the application of full engine power to initiate an aborted landing, but the airplane encountered another wind gust that further lifted the left wing and caused the right wing to impact the ground. The airplane subsequently came to rest in a field next to the runway. The airplane's engine firewall, wings, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA028 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brookings, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Brookings Regional Airport (KBKX)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N8485D
- 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.