Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was landing with a 40-degree crosswind. During the flare, about five feet above ground level, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot said that he thought he could control the veer on the ground, but the airplane veered off the runway, down an embankment, and collided with a fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA068 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 16, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Cheyenne Regional (KCYS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech J35
- N-number
- N8281D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.