Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot did not maintain runway alignment during landing in a gusting crosswind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that as the automated weather reporting facility was inoperable prior to landing, he overflew the airport and determined from the windsock that runway 24 was favored. The pilot stated that about the time he touched down he encountered a strong wind gust, which prompted him to initiate a go-around. The pilot added that as he applied power the airplane drifted to the left and that his attempts to correct back to the right were unsuccessful. The airplane subsequently collided with a stationary airplane, an automobile and a hangar. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and had sustained substantial damage to both wings and its fuselage. A review of the Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) data for the airport revealed that from about 34 minutes prior to, to about 26 minutes after the accident, wind gusts were reported to be from 040 degrees at 24 knots and 25 knots respectively. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA121