Probable cause
The pilot’s improper compensation for changing wind during the landing flare, which resulted in an off-centered landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The recently certificated pilot reported that, during the initial climb, he heard a whistling noise and noticed that the passenger door was not secured. Subsequently, he returned to the departure airport to secure the door.
He added that, during the landing flare, he believed that the wind decreased significantly, which resulted in him having "too much right rudder engaged." The airplane touched down 30° relative to the runway centerline, veered off the runway to the right, and the nose gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot reported that 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 GAA17CA046 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 23, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kirksville, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Kirksville Rgnl (IRK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cirrus SR22
- N-number
- N528HB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2016
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.