This July 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: Beech Sundowner. Injuries: None. Location: Schaumburg, Ill. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was practicing landings in a crosswind. Several went well, then on the last landing, the airplane veered left. Attempts to regain directional control were unsuccessful, and the airplane went off the runway and down an embankment. The left main landing gear was torn off. The airplane came to a stop in a stand of trees.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov
