Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind and failure to maintain runway alignment.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while the airplane was on final approach, he realized it was not centered on the runway and decided to execute a go-around. The second approach was normal. During the landing flare, the airplane floated longer than usual and drifted towards the right side of the runway in crosswind conditions. As the airplane touched down, the right main wheel encountered a trench and continued to traverse up a berm. Upon reaching the top of the berm, the airplane slid sideways until it came to a rest. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions. The nearest weather reporting station located 12 miles southeast of the accident airport reported at the time of the accident wind was from 330 degrees at 9 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA418 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Turlock, California
- Nearest airport
- Personal Airstrip (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
ZENITH 701
- N-number
- N948DW
- 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.