Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with an airport sign.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll he encountered a crosswind, the left wing lifted, and the airplane began to drift left of the centerline. He attempted to correct with the right rudder and brake but the airplane departed the runway to the left. During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted an airport sign and came to rest on an adjacent runway.
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Substantial damage was found to the right elevator and firewall. The reported wind at the airport about the time of the accident were from 080 degrees at 11 knots, which created a crosswind component of 2 knots for landing on runway 7.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA156 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 26, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vernal, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Vernal Rgnl (VEL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N3159E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.