Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA20CA209

Cumberland, MD, USA

Aircraft #1

N2470D

Piper PA38

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

The pilot reported that after a stabilized approach to land, during the touchdown a gust of wind caused the left wing to raise and go "vertical" or "knife edge." He immediately applied full power to go-around, however, the airplane was banking and drifting to the right and before the airplane could climb, it impacted terrain to the right of the runway and skidded down a ravine. The left and right wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.About the time of the accident the weather observation at the airport included wind from a heading of 320° at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The calculated crosswind component for the landing on runway 5 was 14 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and the subsequent go-around in gusting crosswind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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