N4577V

Substantial
None

BEECH 35S/N: D-952

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA387
Location
St. Johns, AZ
Event ID
20090806X93612
Coordinates
34.518611, -109.378890
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind gust and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the gusty crosswind weather conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N4577V
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
D-952
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
2825 137TH AVE S
Status
Deregistered
City
MINNEAPOLIS
State / Zip Code
MN 55407
Country
United States

Analysis

After making a fuel stop on a cross-country flight, the pilot reported a left quartering headwind during the takeoff. He applied the proper crosswind control inputs and immediately after liftoff aligned the airplane into the wind to maintain a ground track over the runway centerline. The pilot reported a wind gust from the left impacted the airplane resulting in the left wing rising and the airplane banking to the right. Subsequently, the right wing, the empennage, and the right main landing gear touched down resulting in the airplane exiting the runway to the right. The airplane continued down an embankment impacting a chain link airport perimeter fence. The airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to left and right wings, the left landing gear assembly, fuselage, and empennage. The on-field weather station recorded the wind at the time of departure as 50 degrees left of the runway heading at 15 knots, gusting to 22 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# WPR09CA387