Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The owner/pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting a normal three-point landing in a 15-knot right crosswind that was gusting to 18 knots. During the landing the airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in a drainage ditch. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA364 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 20, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Merritt Island, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Merritt Island (COI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA22
- N-number
- N3429Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.