Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to compensate for the gusting wind and failure to maintain airplane control during the approach to land.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that just prior to touchdown the airplane encountered a gust of wind, which forced the airplane off of the runway heading. The pilot applied power to go around; however, during the transition to climb, the airplane collided with a taxiway sign, sustaining substantial damage to the side of the fuselage. The pilot continued the climb and returned to land without further incident. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA254 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 9, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Ana, California
- Nearest airport
- John Wayne Orange Country (SNA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna Aircraft Co 162
- N-number
- N5211Y
- 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.