This December 2009 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: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: Diamond Point, Wash. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was landing at a non-controlled airport where variable gusty winds were present. While on final, she encountered a right crosswind and then both updrafts and downdrafts as she crossed over a cliff under the flight path.
The touchdown was uneventful but, as the airplane slowed during the landing roll, a crosswind gust from the right lifted the right wing. The left wing hit the runway and the airplane nosed over.
According to the pilot, there was no indication of any problem with the flight control or nosewheel steering systems. She also stated that the winds from the north were unusual for this airport, and that she based her assumptions as to what would happen on the runway on the normal westerly or southeasterly winds.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the variable and unfavorable wind conditions.
For more information: NTSB.gov; NTSB Identification:WPR10CA073
There are so many accidents published here that fit the catagory of “how was that possible?” My gut feeling is that more than a few people shouldn’t be flying airplanes. This isn’t a blanket statement on all pilots, but there are just too many airplane “drivers” at the controls of single engine airplanes. I believe that some people shouldn’t be driving cars, riding motorcycles, or flying airplanes. Somebody…tell me I’m wrong?Â
The wind did not wreck the airplane. Airplanes fly in the wind. The pilot tore up another perfectly good airplane. Did he learn to fly on XBOX 360?