This May 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Tri-Pacer Injuries: None. Location: Delphi, Ind. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on the grass area alongside runway 18. The winds were out of the west at eight knots, gusting to 16 knots. During the landing rollout, the plane encountered a wind gust and cartwheeled, then came to rest upright. The cabin roof was crushed, both wing spars were bent, and the engine firewall was damaged.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswind during landing rollout.
For more information: NTSB.gov
