Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that during the landing roll the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right aileron, and the airplane then encountered a gust of wind from the right. The left wing then struck the runway surface and the airplane departed the runway to the right, coming to rest in soft soil. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower wing spar during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA265 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cottonwood, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Cottonwood (P52)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing E75
- N-number
- N4787V
- 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.