Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for crosswind conditions, resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he landed the airplane in a right crosswind and wind gusts. He applied a right crosswind correction, flared, and touched down with the right main landing gear on the runway. When the pilot removed the right crosswind control corrections, the airplane landed hard and as the nose wheel settled onto the runway, the airplane swerved to the left. The nose landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall and forward baggage compartment supports. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA202 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Allentown Queen City Municipal (XLL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 46-350P
- N-number
- N9172V
- 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.