Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, a gusty crosswind lifted the tail of the airplane, and he lost directional control. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane; however, when the tail wheel contacted the runway again, the airplane swerved to the right and exited the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
At the time of the accident, the pilot landed on runway 22 with wind variable between 150° and 200°at 9 kts.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA222 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 26, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sweetwater, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Avenger Field (SWW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-135
- N-number
- N2300A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- 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.