Probable cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for the reported crosswind conditions resulting in the wings contacting the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that his airplane was cleared to land on a runway with a 50-degree, 8-knot crosswind. At 10 to 20 feet above the runway, a "gust" blew the airplane to its left, the left wing struck the ground, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest with substantial damage to the wings and the airframe. When asked, the pilot said the accident could have been prevented by requesting a runway with more favorable wind. He also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA155 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 14, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brooksville, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Hernando County (BKV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N80457
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.