Probable cause
The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswind, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial actions that resulted in a loss of control during the go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the gusting wind condition.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that during final approach the airplane drifted off the left side of the runway after encountering a wind gust. He told the student pilot to initiate a go-around. As the student pilot increased engine power for the go-around the airplane pitched-up and then rolled to the left. The flight instructor assumed flight control of the airplane, but the airplane impacted left-wing low off the left side of the runway. The airplane cartwheeled and both wings separated from the airplane. The local area winds were out of the north-northwest at 10 knots, gusting 17 knots. The flight instructor reported that the local topography produced a "strong wind current" that contributed to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA174 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greenwood, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Galt Field Airport (10C)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N4433T
- 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.