Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll in a variable crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
As the airplane approached the destination airport, the pilot monitored the airport’s automated weather reporting station. The pilot stated that the airport’s reported wind changed from 160 degrees at 7 knots, to 200 degrees at 9 knots, and then to 180 degrees at 8 knots as they got closer to the airport. The pilot added that he initially planned to land on runway 26, but, upon circling the airport, he noted that the windsock favored runway 8. During the landing roll on runway 8, the airplane’s right wing lifted. The pilot stated that he was unable to lower the wing, and the airplane veered right and continued off the side of the runway. The airplane came rest in the grass with substantial damage to the fuselage just forward of the empennage. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA503 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Keokuk, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Keokuk Municipal Airport (KEOK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-16
- N-number
- N6834K
- 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.