N9769B

On April 26, 1998, about 1334 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172RG, N9769B, registered to Atlantic Aero Incorporated, was damaged when the pilot lost directional control during landing at Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville, South Carolina, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Greensboro, North Carolina, the same day, about 1205.

The pilot stated that while on approach to runway 18 the winds were reported to be from 210 degrees at 14 knots. The aircraft touched down on the runway centerline and he applied full right aileron to correct for the wind. A gust of wind, estimated to be about 24 knots, caused the aircraft to veer to the right to a 240-250 degree heading. The right wing lifted and the aircraft veered back to the left. The aircraft then collided with construction barricades at the intersection of runway 18 and runway 27 and went off the left side of the runway into a ditch.

Postcrash examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector showed the wing flaps were fully extended to 30 degrees. The Pilot Operating Handbook for the Cessna 172RG states, "When landing in a strong crosswind, use the minimum flap setting required for the field length." (See attached page from handbook.)