N80523

On April 18, 1997, at 1445 eastern daylight time, N80523, a Globe "Swift" GC-1-A, was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway, and struck trees during landing at Clinton County Airport, Wilmington, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local, personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that he was practicing crosswind landings on runway 20. He said a landing was accomplished with all three points on ground. During rollout, the airplane drifted off the right side of the runway into the wind. He applied full power to regain directional control, and raised the flaps. He stated that the airplane became airborne in ground effect, flew over the runway, to the south, and collided with trees off the left side of the runway.

A witness reported that the airplane landed with a tailwind, and drifted off the right side of the runway. The pilot applied full power, full left aileron, and the left wingtip almost touched the runway twice. The airplane then went across the runway, and collided with trees.

The 1455 weather observation at an airport 6 miles south of Wilmington reported the winds from 310 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 18 knots. The pilot reported over 586 hours of total flight experience, which included 3 hours in make and model. He said there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane, and the accident could have been prevented with "better pilot preparation."