NTSB Says Wind Contributed to Cory Lidle’s Plane Crash

By Thomas Hall

Published on November 03, 2006

The plane, also carrying Lidle's flight instructor Tyler Stanger, veered off its intended course over the East River on Oct. 11 and slammed into a Manhattan apartment building. Both Lidle and Stanger were killed.

The NTSB says the wind and the pilot’s inability to make a sharp turn forced the plane away from its heading. It is still unclear who was at the controls at the time of the crash.

The investigation has thus far not found any problems with the Cirrus SR20’s engine and propeller, and there are no signs of a fire or other damage while the plane was in the air.

The NTSB has still not concluded what the probable cause of the crash was, but continues to update factual information before issuing a final report.

Since the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration has ordered all fixed-wing, small airplanes not to fly over the East River unless the pilot is in communication with air traffic controllers.

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