Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22 near Bethlehem, PA — 2025-04-18

Final reportERA25LA178
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Date
2025-04-18
Location
Bethlehem, PA, USA
Airport
ABE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22
Registration
N937A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that he intended to perform a solo flight and complete 3 takeoffs and landings at his home airport. Just prior to touchdown, the airplane encountered a left crosswind. After the airplane landed, a series of wind gusts pushed the airplane onto the nose landing gear and flipped the airplane over, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and empennage. The pilot further stated that he recalled that the airport air traffic control tower controller reported a left crosswind during his takeoff clearance and during two other times before landing. The wind reported at the airport 6 minutes after the accident indicated a 30° left crosswind at 11 knots with gusts up to 19 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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