Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after an uneventful landing, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane off the runway surface. The airplane went across the grass and struck a precision approach path indicator light (PAPI). The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 18 with wind 250o at 14 knots with gusts to 20 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 5, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Washington, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Daviess County Airport (DCY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-181
- N-number
- N1961J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.