Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing in crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll on runway 31, the airplane encountered a crosswind. He was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane departed the runway surface. The nose wheel subsequently collapsed and a post-crash fire erupted in the engine compartment. Inspection of the airplane found that the firewall sustained substantial damage. The reported winds at the time of the accident were 190 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA444 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 13, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hailey, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech V35
- N-number
- N81895
- 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.