Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the crosswind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 6, 2004, at 1630 eastern standard time, a Kinner Sportster, N14288. was substantially damaged during landing at the Sky Acres Airport (44N), Millbrook, New York. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to the pilot, during landing on runway 17, he encountered a 90-degree crosswind gust which blew the airplane off the side of the runway. The pilot attempted to go-around; however, he "did not make it," and the airplane continued across a grass field, coming to rest upright, in a ditch.
The pilot estimated the winds were from 270 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 15 knots.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings.
The winds reported at the Dutchess County Airport, Poughkeepsie, New York, approximately 8 miles to the southwest, at 1553, were from 240 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC05CA018