Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for gusting wind conditions while landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he entered the traffic pattern at the destination airport and conducted a “stabilized” approach until just prior to touchdown, when the airplane experienced “mechanical turbulence which destabilized the approach.” The pilot initiated a go-around when a wind gust “lifted the right wing.” The airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck trees 100 ft left of the landing surface. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA187 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cedar Key, Florida
- Nearest airport
- George T Lewis (CDK)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV 4 200
- N-number
- N8DU
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1989
- 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.