Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing in a crosswind, a strong wind gust lifted the right wing. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, traveled down an embankment, and came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 280° at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot landed on runway 22.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA284 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Taos, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Taos Rgnl (SKX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N9268A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1949
- 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.