The pilot was attempting to land the Cirrus SR20 on the runway in Brunswick, Ga.
He reported that, during the approach to the runway, he listened to the automatic terminal information service, which noted that the wind was from 270° at 16 knots and gusting to 26 knots.
He chose to continue the approach and, during the landing flare, a gust of wind forced the plane left and down.
The left wing hit the ground, and the airplane went off the left side of the runway and into the grass.
The impact resulted in damage to the left wing, right flap, undercarriage, propeller, and firewall.
The NTSB determined the probable cause was the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a strong, gusting crosswind.
NTSB Identification: ERA13CA150
This February 2013 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.
According to the probable cause report dated 052313, it was runway 22 at Malcolm McKinnon Airport. Using the ATIS winds in the report of 270/16kts gusts 26kts, the crosswind components would have been 12.2 and 19.9 respectively.
Looking at NTSB slightly different I get Runway 22! NTSB still does not say which airport. I suspect now McKinnon, they have a runway 22. That would be a bit sporty at 270@16G26. I hate seeing people and planes get hurt. If anyone needs crosswind training. Come see me in Enid OK! — Sometimes it is better to go to a better runway – rent a car!
Which runway was the Cirrus landing on? I see a runway 25 at Brunswick. That would not be much of a crosswind. But there are a couple of other airports in the Brunswick area. Even the initial NTSB report leaves the Airport name or runway out of the report. Am I missing something?
Way isn’t this a “multiple choice” question:
1. The pilot
2. The pilot
3. The pilot
4. ALL of the above?
OR; you could “blame” it on your instructor?
Why is it always the pilots fault ???
Because it almost always is. The decision to land when it is gusting up to 26 knots in a crosswind is not a good one, especially if it exceeds the capabilities of either the pilot or the aircraft.
Well, like my dad used to say it was the nut holding the wheel. He was a non pilot, but a buddy of his who taught me used to say “as long as the engine is running you can always go a round”. “Takeoffs are optional and landings are mandatory”. He was a CPT instructor back when.