Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he observed the uncontrolled airport's windsock as he approached runway 33 for landing. The wind direction varied between 290 and 330 degrees, and the speed varied between 10 and 15 knots. Two wind gusts were encountered as the pilot lowered the airplane's tail during rollout. The pilot took corrective action to compensate for the first gust, but when the second gust was encountered, he lost directional control. The airplane veered 40 to 50 feet off the runway. It came to a stop upon impacting a fence that punctured wing skin and fractured a rib. The pilot subsequently reported that his accident could have been prevented if, upon encountering the gusts, he had immediately increased engine power or performed a go-around.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA425