Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA10CA440

Hartford, CT, USA

Aircraft #1

N8667M

BEECH P35

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing on runway 02, the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The pilot applied full right rudder in an attempt to counteract the drift, but the airplane continued to veer to the left. The pilot then inadvertently applied excessive left brake pressure and the airplane traveled off the left side of the runway and struck a sign, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The wind recorded at the airport at the time of the accident was from 020 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, during landing on runway 2, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right. The pilot applied full right rudder; however, the airplane continued to the left. He then attempted to move his feet to the brakes, during which he inadvertently applied excessive left brake pressure. The airplane traveled off the left side of the runway and struck a sign, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The winds recorded at the airport at the time of the accident were from 020 degrees at 16 gusting to 23 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He also reported he had been flying for about 4 hours when the accident occurred.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind, resulting in a loss of directional control during landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports