Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to compensate for a wind gust during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with terrain
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, he was performing a solo night flight. The student made a normal touchdown on the runway and retarded the throttle to idle. The airplane encountered a wind gust and the right wing lifted upward. Despite his aileron and rudder inputs, he was unable to regain control of the airplane. He added full power and the airplane momentarily became airborne before settling back down. The airplane abruptly veered to the right, resulting in him breaking the window and hindering his ability to control the throttle. The airplane departed the runway surface and the left wing was substantially damaged when it contacted the ground. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA113 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 28, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Buffalo, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Johnson County Airport (BYG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N1799P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- 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.