Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction failed to compensate for the crosswind condition during landing, and the flight instructor's delayed corrective action.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that the pilot receiving instruction was attempting to perform a soft field landing on runway 31 during the second landing of the flight. The flight instructor reported that the wind was from 160 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots. During the landing flare, the airplane was “getting pushed” off centerline. The flight instructor informed the pilot receiving instruction to put in full power and do a go-around. The airplane’s nose wheel struck a light generator on the side of the runway causing the airplane to skid across the taxiway and into the grass, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. The flight instructor reported that there was no malfunction or system failure of the airplane before the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA407 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weslaco, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Mid-Valley Airport (T65)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28R-200
- N-number
- N5003S
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.