Aircraft: Cessna 150. Injuries: None. Location: St. Johns, Ariz. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was landing at a private dirt airstrip in gusting crosswind conditions. He reported that when he flared to land, the wind shifted. The airplane swerved and hit a dirt berm.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.
NTSB Identification: WPR12CA438
This August 2012 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.
Does the wind never suddenly change directions where you live Tom? It’s called wind shear around here. You might want to read about it. I once was hit by it at 5,500 feet and dropped 150 feet in a nanosecond so would be interested in hearing what you would have done to prevent that so I’ll know next time? I’m sure the guy who got hit by it a couple of years ago during his flare at the El Dorado, Arkansas, airport, and being slammed into the runway breaking the plane behind the fire wall, damaging the prop and a wing, would be interested in your advice on how he could have prevented that occurrence? I love all the sage advice from arm chair pilots and after the fact experts and plan to start keeping a notebook of such counsel.
The wind shifted? Was it a hurricane? What are we to do about those winds (non-hurricane) shifting on us all of the time? Hmmmmmmmmmm…….. How about stick & rudder, stick & rudder, and some more stick & rudder? Assuming the cross wind component that is maximum per the book on the aircraft involved is not exceeded then there is no reason why a licensed pilot can’t handle it. Think about it.
Two words “GO ROUND”