Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a go-around in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, he obtained automated weather before landing at the destination airport, which indicated the winds to be variable from 270° at 11 knots gusting to 16 knots. The pilot stated that he flew a stabilized approach to runway 29, and the windsock indicated a crosswind upon landing. After touchdown a gust “pushed the airplane to the right”, and the pilot elected to initiate a go-around and added power. When the airplane became airborne, the nose yawed left, and the pilot was unable to avoid a collision with an airport hangar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.
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 WPR22LA241 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Petaluma, California
- Nearest airport
- Petaluma Municipal (O69)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182H
- N-number
- N8414S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.