Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA177

Hilton Head, SC, USA

Aircraft #1

N4851W

ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL 114

Analysis

The pilot stated that there was a crosswind from the left of about 9 knots during the landing. After touchdown, the airplane swerved to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane traveled over a grass median between the runway and a taxiway and the airplane's nosewheel separated as it traveled over a dip in the median. The airplane came to rest upright and sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. He stated that the airport was surrounded by trees and that it was not uncommon to experience dramatically changing wind conditions near the runway. A postaccident examination revealed skid marks on the runway leading to the grass median, but the pilot could not recall whether he applied brakes during the accident sequence. An examination of the brake system revealed no anomalies.

Factual Information

The pilot stated that there was a crosswind from the left at approximately 9 knots during the landing. After touchdown, the airplane swerved to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane traveled over a grassy median between the runway and a taxiway, and the airplane's nosewheel separated as it traveled over a "dip" in the median. The airplane came to rest upright, and sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. He stated that the airport was surrounded by trees and it was not uncommon to experience "dramatically changing wind conditions" near the runway. During a postaccident examination of the airplane and runway, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector observed skid marks on the runway leading to the grass median, but the pilot could not recall whether he applied brakes during the accident sequence. An examination of the brake system revealed no anomalies.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing with a crosswind.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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