Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing, in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a crosswind gust. The airplane drifted to the right about 10°, and while correcting with rudder the left main landing gear touched down. The airplane veered to the left, exited the runway, and struck a ditch, which substantially damaged the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 35L with wind from 300° at 14 knots, gusting 18 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA117 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 19, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Henderson, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Henderson Executive Airport (HND)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 46-350P
- N-number
- N171M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2024
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.