A small aircraft incident at Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach on Thursday, March, 6, 2025, resulted in minor injuries to the pilot and significant damage to the plane. According to reports, a Cirrus SR22, was attempting to land at the airport around 11:45 a.m. when it veered off the runway during a go-around maneuver due to crosswinds. The single-engine plane had taken off from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in Concord, North Carolina, earlier that morning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the pilot was the sole occupant on board.
Following the incident, airport personnel assisted in coordinating with federal agencies and overseeing the removal of the damaged aircraft. Additionally, officials conducted a comprehensive inspection of the affected runway before allowing normal airport operations to resume. The crash led to a brief delay in other aviation activities in the area.
Potential Causes and Safety Considerations
Preliminary reports indicate that the pilot encountered crosswinds, leading to difficulty in stabilizing the aircraft during the landing approach. Go-around maneuvers, while a standard aviation procedure, require precise control, particularly in challenging wind conditions. Investigators will examine various factors, including weather conditions, pilot experience, and mechanical performance, to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Crosswinds occur when wind blows perpendicular to the direction of an aircraft’s flight path, particularly during takeoff or landing. These winds create additional challenges for pilots, as they must compensate for the sideways force to maintain a stable approach and landing. Crosswinds can vary in intensity and may become more difficult to manage depending on the speed of the wind and the size of the aircraft. Strong crosswinds can cause a plane to drift off course, making it difficult to stay aligned with the runway.
Managing crosswinds requires skill and precision, often involving specialized landing techniques such as the crab method, where pilots angle the aircraft slightly into the wind before aligning with the runway just before touchdown. In some cases, if the crosswind component exceeds the aircraft’s operational limits, pilots may opt for a go-around maneuver to attempt another landing or divert to an alternate airport. Understanding wind conditions is a crucial part of flight planning, and pilots rely on weather forecasts, wind sock indicators, and air traffic control guidance to safely navigate crosswind challenges.
There have been a number of recent plane accidents in 2025. Delta Airlines Flight 4819 crashed during landing at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. Two people were killed in a midair collision between two planes near Tucson, Arizona on February 19, 2025. A Grumman American AA-5A Cheetah crashed after an engine stall during takeoff in Gladewater, Texas on February 17, 2025. A United Airlines flight en route to Houston, Texas had to make an emergency landing in Waco, Texas following severe turbulence on March 2, 2025.
Consulting an Aviation Attorney After a Crash
If you have been involved in an aviation accident, consulting an aviation attorney is crucial to understanding your legal rights and options. Aviation accidents, even minor ones, can involve complex liability issues, including pilot error, mechanical failure, or negligence on the part of airport authorities. An attorney who understands aviation law can help navigate FAA and NTSB investigations, assess potential claims for damages, and advocate for fair compensation for injuries, aircraft damage, and other losses. Whether you are a pilot, passenger, or aircraft owner, legal guidance can be essential in ensuring that all aspects of the incident are properly addressed and that you receive the protection and compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm are licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and New York, and have experience handling aviation cases across the country. Our firm has successfully represented clients in both federal and state courts in cases involving critical equipment failures on airplanes and helicopters. Aviation accidents can have devastating and life-altering consequences, underscoring the importance of strict safety standards and accountability. We are dedicated to seeking justice for those who have suffered serious injuries in crashes, as well as for families who have lost loved ones in tragic air disasters.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, Spagnoletti Law Firm is here to provide trusted legal guidance and aggressive representation. We are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 713-804-9306 today to learn more about your legal rights and options.