N7783A

On November 8, 1999, about 1015 Eastern Standard Time, a Cessna 180, N7783A, was substantially damaged while landing at Seamans Field, Factoryville, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Canandaigua Airport, Canandaigua, New York.

The pilot stated:

"...Landing approach to RWY 4 normal with no trouble keeping aligned with centerline. Crosswind of 6-8 knots from 320. Flared to 3 point landing and touchdown appeared routine as stall warning came on just before contacting runway. At this point a wind gust got under the left wing and lifted the left wheel off the runway. The plane started left and I applied right rudder and left aileron. Right tire marks faint for 60' and then heavy for 150' as plane continued left and exited runway at 30 [degree] angle. Left wheel touched down just as plane left runway..."

The airplane came to rest inverted, off the left side of the runway.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The Inspector noted that both wings, the vertical stabilizer, and the left strut sustained substantial damage.

The reported winds at an airport approximately 15 mile away, at 0954, were from 290 degrees at 8 knots.