Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and the subsequent go-around in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after a stabilized approach to land, during the touchdown a gust of wind caused the left wing to raise and go "vertical" or "knife edge." He immediately applied full power to go-around, however, the airplane was banking and drifting to the right and before the airplane could climb, it impacted terrain to the right of the runway and skidded down a ravine. The left and right wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.
About the time of the accident the weather observation at the airport included wind from a heading of 320° at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The calculated crosswind component for the landing on runway 5 was 14 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA209 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 7, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cumberland, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Greater Cumberland Rgnl (CBE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA38
- N-number
- N2470D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.