Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in a gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the single-engine airplane reported that, during landing to the southeast, a wind gust contacted the airplane's tail from the left side, which caused the airplane to veer left. The airplane departed the runway, crossed a taxiway, and impacted a ditch.
The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the nose landing gear collapsed and that the propeller was bent aft. The engine firewall was wrinkled below the left engine mount. The recorded weather at the airport, about the time of the accident, included wind from 080° at 10 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17CA244 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Venice, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Venice Muni (VNC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20R
- N-number
- N57GX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.