Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he encountered a crosswind from the left during a landing attempt and the airplane drifted right. The right wing impacted tree branches that resulted in a loss of directional control. The airplane then collided with an adjacent bush, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA135 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 21, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Skull Valley, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Yav'Pe Ma'Ta Airport (16AZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N92570
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.