Piper caught in gusty winds

By NTSB · October 18, 2013 ·

Aircraft: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Brookings, S.D. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The airplane was in the landing roll when a gust of wind lifted the left wing and caused the plane to swerve to the right.

The pilot added full engine power to initiate an aborted landing, but the wind increased, lifting the left wing and causing the right wing to hit the ground and the airplane to go off the runway.

Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions while landing.

NTSB Identification: CEN12CA028

This October 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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