# NTSB investigations: Variable wind

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 3 · 114 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA300.md): Cessna T206H · Marble, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2026 · N464PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the final approach in variable and gusting wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were localized wind effects associated with mountainous terrain and with nearby convective activity.
- [NTSB WPR26LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA105.md): Piper PA-20 · Three Forks, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 13, 2026 · N1491A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional during the landing roll with a variable wind.
- [NTSB CEN26LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA039.md): American Champion 7GCBC · Pineville, MO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 7, 2025 · N443RL · Substantial damage
  > The change in wind direction during landing, which resulted in a tailwind condition and runway overrun.
- [NTSB ERA25LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA349.md): Pipistrel Lsa S R L Virus 912 LSA · Lincoln Park, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 16, 2025 · N272BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate compensation for variable wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and loss of directional control.
- [NTSB ANC25LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA109.md): Piper PA-12 · Kotlik, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 16, 2025 · N3816M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a go-around in variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB CEN25LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA314.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Goodland, KS · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 10, 2025 · N502WF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing and go-around with variable wind direction and speed.
- [NTSB ANC25LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA082.md): Cessna U206F · Yakutat, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2025 · N206GR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance during approach in gusting wind conditions to a remote airstrip, resulting in a collision with brush.
- [NTSB ANC25LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA066.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Chenega, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 28, 2025 · N55PT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting and variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR25LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA186.md): Kohut Mark A Murphy SR 2500 · Challis, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 18, 2025 · N6161C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB ANC25LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA049.md): Cessna 180J · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2025 · N605NB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in variable and gusty wind, which resulted in a ground loop.
- [NTSB CEN25LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA011.md): Powrachute SKY Rascal · Peculiar, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 6, 2024 · N2565Q · Minor damage
  > The failure of the pilot to use appropriate engine power during descent in turbulent air which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR24LA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA292.md): Ronald J Mclaughlin Bearhawk Patrol · Shearer, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 28, 2024 · N924LB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
- [NTSB ERA24LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA349.md): Smith T Gunter Quick Silver SP II · Mobile, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 16, 2024 · N2342D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane in gusty wind conditions while flying low over water, which resulted in the floats impacting a wave and the airplane’s subsequent nose over into the water.
- [NTSB ERA24LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA210.md): Stinson 108-2 · Titusville, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 6, 2024 · N2721L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in variable wind conditions, which resulted in runway excursion and collision with an approach light.
- [NTSB ERA24LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA183.md): Aeronca 11AC · Conyers, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 31, 2024 · N3420E · Substantial damage
  > An encounter with shifting wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane using more runway than anticipated, an aborted takeoff, and subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure account for the potential of variable and…
- [NTSB CEN24LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA015.md): Dehavilland Tiger Moth DH 82A · Greeley, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 17, 2023 · N41DH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to turn out early during the initial climb and failure to maintain adequate airspeed/angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with airport hangars. Contributing to the accident was the variable wind conditions…
- [NTSB WPR23LA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA235.md): John Topliff PA18-200EXP · Truckee, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 21, 2023 · N356AW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control on landing roll out, during variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR23FA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA173.md): Beech A36 · Big Bear, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 1, 2023 · N2038Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and failure to maintain adequate airspeed on short final while operating in adverse wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA105.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Paris, KY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 5, 2023 · N6111W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control after encountering changing wind conditions during the initial climb, which resulted in descent and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN23LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA001.md): Cessna 140 · Burnet, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 2, 2022 · N72794 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with an unexpected quartering tailwind.
- [NTSB ERA22LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA118.md): Hiller UH-12E4 · Shrewsbury, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 9, 2022 · N64741 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control during the descent which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN21LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA275.md): Aeronca 11AC · Baltimore, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 16, 2021 · N85930 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN21LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA255.md): Cessna 140 · Alexandria, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2021 · N3697V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain aircraft and directional control during the landing in variable wind conditions resulting in abnormal contact with the terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA255.md): Page Joseph E Vans RV-4 · Martinsburg, WV · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 12, 2021 · N54RV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare in variable crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN21LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA202.md): Boeing A75 · Denver, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 26, 2021 · N56760 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with variable and gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB CEN21LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA164.md): Cameron Balloons Z-90 · Celina, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 20, 2021 · N4505B · Substantial damage
  > The malfunction of the balloon’s envelope venting system during landing in high wind, which resulted in the balloon being dragged along the ground, substantially damaging the envelope.
- [NTSB WPR21LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA093.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Queen Creek, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 22, 2021 · N90TG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's uncoordinated flight control inputs while entering a hover, which lead to a loss of aircraft control which resulted in the left skid making contact with the ground, causing the helicopter to roll on its side.
- [NTSB GAA20CA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA043.md): Zenair Zenith 801 · Knoxville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2019 · N801PZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the approach and his improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA20CA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA015.md): Taylorcraft BC12 · Goddard, KS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 13, 2019 · N96709 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA19CA528](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA528.md): Siai-Marchetti SM 1019 · Lakeport, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 7, 2019 · N16XC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff in gusting, variable wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with water.
- [NTSB GAA19CA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA244.md): Cessna A185 · Valparaiso, IN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2019 · N7711L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper throttle application and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll in gusting left crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
- [NTSB GAA19CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA163.md): Air Tractor AT 400A · Parma, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 11, 2019 · N400DQ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in variable wind conditions, which resulted in the right wing impacting muddy terrain.
- [NTSB GAA19CA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA049.md): Flight Design Ctls · Elyria, OH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 4, 2018 · N21ZA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing in variable gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA18CA426](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA426.md): Piper PA 20 · Dayton, OH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 14, 2018 · N7492K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for variable crosswind conditions during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
- [NTSB ANC18LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA046.md): Cessna 180K · Ambler, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2018 · N2957K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area with unfavorable wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain a climb.
- [NTSB GAA18CA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA279.md): Champion 7ECA · Morrilton, AR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 12, 2018 · N6333N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in variable crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA18CA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA260.md): Cessna 182 · Clarksville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 6, 2018 · N5419E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to land with a tailwind in variable crosswind and downdraft and updraft conditions on a wet runway, which resulted in a runway overrun.
- [NTSB GAA17CA503](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA503.md): Piper PA 28 · Mohave, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 19, 2017 · N536CA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper airspeed and pitch control during landing in variable, gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA478](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA478.md): King John E JR Kitfox · Reno, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 8, 2017 · N993JK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA17CA460](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA460.md): Cessna 305 · Eagle Lake, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2017 · N72BD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing in variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA17CA444](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA444.md): Mcintosh Donald W Kitfox Series 7 · Priest River, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2017 · N302DM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain lateral/bank control during the landing in variable gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA17CA322](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA322.md): Piper PA28 · Gilbert, SC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 27, 2017 · N5544J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper glidepath in variable wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting terrain short of the runway threshold.
- [NTSB GAA17CA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA255.md): Schweizer SGS134 · Blairstown, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 28, 2017 · N2682H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to attain a proper glidepath on approach for landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an off-airport landing and impact with soccer goal posts.
- [NTSB GAA17CA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA254.md): Cessna 172 · Columbia, KY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 28, 2017 · N64144 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a flare during landing in variable, gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA17CA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA216.md): Cessna 172 · Twisp, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 3, 2017 · N7547G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing, which resulted in the airplane cartwheeling.
- [NTSB GAA17CA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA190.md): Davis Frank R Xenos Motorglider · Minden, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 11, 2017 · N56FD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA17CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA013.md): Cessna A185 · San Antonio, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 7, 2016 · N4924E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to recognize the tailwind condition and maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16CA445](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA445.md): Cessna T207 · Nanwalek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 23, 2016 · N91025 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s unstabilized approach and a subsequent runway overrun while landing on a short runway in variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA16LA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA284.md): Balloon Works FIREFLY8 · Northwood, NH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2016 · N317W · No damage
  > The balloon pilot’s inadequate weather planning and improper decision to depart in reported increasing variable winds with nearby thunderstorms, which resulted in a subsequent hard landing and a serious passenger injury.
- [NTSB GAA16CA388](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA388.md): Canadian Light Acft Sales &Svc Bushcaddy Explorer · Island Pond, VT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2016 · N335BE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack during approach, resulting in an inadvertent stall and hard landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025/cases.md?page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '03034025'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025/cases

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