Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions. The wind gusts were a contributing factor.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while landing he struck a few runway lights and initiated a go-around. He said that when he applied engine power, the airplane rolled to the left, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane received structural damage to both wings and empennage. The wind at the time of the accident was from 240 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 32 knots. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA103 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 4, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alturas, California
- Nearest airport
- Alturas Municipal Airport (KAAT)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-236
- N-number
- N2092E
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.