Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane was about to touch down on runway 16, when a gust of wind pushed the airplane toward trees along the right side of the runway. The pilot added power and tried, unsuccessfully, to avoid the trees. Two witnesses observed the airplane in a nose-high attitude over the runway as it drifted right into trees. One of the witnesses said that about 30 minutes before the accident the wind was from 110 degrees at 9 knots and was increasing in velocity. The recorded wind at the airport, about 30 minutes after the accident, was from 140 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 24 knots. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; substantial damage was observed on the right wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA390 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 9, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alabaster, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Shelby County (EET)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150H
- N-number
- N6963S
- 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.