Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare in a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during the landing flare, he lost directional control of the airplane due to a crosswind. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and collided with the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported a variable-direction wind of 5 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA485 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 26, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Houlton, Maine
- Nearest airport
- Houlton International Airport (HUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
X-AIR
- N-number
- N8076E
- 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.