Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA505

Churchville, MD, USA

Aircraft #1

N419SP

Cessna 172

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing, on short final, he "corrected the approach with a crab for a crosswind landing," and the airplane touched down on the first third of the runway "slightly fast" and left of the runway centerline. During the landing roll, the airplane gradually veered left and exited the runway. The pilot applied full power and initiated a go-around, but the airplane continued left and struck a power box. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station located on an airport about 6 nautical miles away from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 4 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was from the north and between about 10 and 15 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 28.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that during landing, on short final, he "corrected the approach with a crab for a crosswind landing," and the airplane touchdown on the 1st third of the runway "slightly fast" and left of runway centerline. During the landing roll, the airplane gradually veered left and exited the runway. The pilot applied full power and initiated a go around, but the airplane continued left and struck a power box. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on an airport about 6 nm away, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from variable° at 4 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was from the north, about 10-15 knots. The airplane landed on runway 28. As requested, the pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing left of the runway centerline, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a power box.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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