Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI03LA206

Sullivan, WI, USA

Aircraft #1

N2180V

Cessna 140

Analysis

The airplane nosed over after veering off the runway during landing. The pilot reported he observed a 25 to 30 degree, 8 knot crosswind while on downwind. The pilot stated he corrected for the crosswind with left aileron, but the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot noted that when he applied right rudder and aileron to correct for the drift the wheels began to squeal. The pilot reported the airplane turned to the left as it slowed down and the right wing tip struck the runway. The right main landing gear wheel dug into the sod and the airplane nosed over.

Factual Information

On July 13, 2003, at 1430 central daylight time, a Cessna 140, N2180V, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during landing after it veered off runway 24 (4,548 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) at the McDermott Air Park (31WI), Sullivan, Wisconsin. The pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight departed East Troy Municipal Airport, East Troy, Wisconsin, at 1330. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot recalled that as he was on downwind there was about a 25 to 30 degree crosswind with an estimated wind speed of 8 knots. The pilot reported he used left aileron to keep the airplane on the centerline during approach, but the airplane began drifting to the left. The pilot stated he corrected for the drift with right aileron and right rudder during touch down. The pilot indicated he held the right aileron and rudder correction during the landing roll and the wheels started "squealing." The pilot reported the airplane began to turn to the left as it slowed down. The pilot stated the right wing tip struck the runway surface, the right main landing gear wheel dug into the sod, and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or defects prior to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions resulting in a loss of directional control. A factor contributing to the accident was the crosswind.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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