MERRITT ISLAND, FL, USA
N3311B
PIPER PA-22/20-150
The pilot was landing on runway 29 with a wind that was reported to be from 020 degrees at about 16-19 knots. After passing a clearing in trees on the right side of the runway, he lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane went off the runway, into a ditch, and nosed over.
On March 3, 1996, about 1515 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22/20-150, N3311B, crashed while landing at the Merritt Island Airport, Merritt Island, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight originated about 1450 from the Merritt Island Airport. The pilot stated that the wind was from about 350 degrees at 16-19 knots and he performed three touch-and-go landings on runway 29. On the last landing during the landing roll, he lost directional control of the airplane after passing a clearing of trees located on the right side of the runway. He applied full right aileron, left brake and rudder but the airplane veered off the right side of the runway onto grass. Unable to stop, the airplane continued into a ditch and nosed over. The pilot further stated that while the airplane was decelerating, he reduced the aileron input that was applied on landing.
The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind was a related factor.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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