Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the crosswind condition. Contributing to the accident were the crosswind and the soft terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported the local winds were from 020 degrees at 14 knots when he landed. He stated that after touching down, the wind pushed the airplane off the left side of the runway. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest when it contacted an area of grass and soft sand. The pilot reported that he did not use enough rudder to compensate for the wind.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA121 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 18, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vermillion, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-260
- N-number
- N32394
- 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.