Probable cause
The pilot’s improper crosswind correction during the landing flare in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he overflew the airport and assessed the winds for landing. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a crosswind gust from the right. The right wing lifted, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane pivoted about the left wing and landed hard.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind at the airport was from 240° and light and variable, gusting to 7 knots. The pilot landed on runway 23.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA416 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Malone, New York
- Nearest airport
- Malone-Dufort (MAL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
A-22 VALOR
- N-number
- N712FP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.