Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a strong quartering crosswind.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during touchdown on the runway, a gust of wind struck the right side of the airplane, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane subsequently veered to the left and the pilot attempted to regain directional control with aileron inputs. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, struck an airport sign and came to rest in a grassy area. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the empennage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot landed with a 14-knot quartering crosswind, gusting to 17 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA442 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 6, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Farmingdale, New York
- Nearest airport
- Republic Airport (FRG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Arion Lightning
- N-number
- N723AD
- 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.