Probable cause
The pilot not maintaining airplane control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the reported wind shear.
NTSB analysis
The pilot indicated that he was trying to land on a sand bar. He made three passes to see if the location was useable. During the landing approach he encountered a wind shear and impacted terrain. He reported no mechanical issues with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA232 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wall, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N5951Z
- 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.