Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in the wing striking the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, amateur-built before touchdown, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the left, which caused the airplane to weathervane to the right and the left wing to rise. The pilot applied left aileron control and full power but was unable to maintain control. The right wingtip impacted the ground, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA113 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 21, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Puyallup, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Pierce County - Thun Field (PLU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built JA30 SUPERSTOL
- N-number
- N914MS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.