On October 6, 1990, a Beech B23 (registration N4005T) was involved in an aviation accident near Westminster, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN POSITIVE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING. IMPROPER CROSSWIND COMPENSATION AND A VARIABLE, GUSTY CROSSWIND WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot lost directional control during landing in gusty crosswinds, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and impact a brush-covered berm.
Incident
A private pilot reported losing directional control of his aircraft during landing due to crosswind conditions. The pilot stated that while on approach, the crosswind caused the aircraft to veer to the left side of the runway. In response, the pilot over-corrected, causing the aircraft to swerve back across the runway, traverse a grassy area, and impact a small brush-covered berm located off the right side of the runway.
Weather and Runway Information
At the time of the incident, the wind was reported from 250 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 18 knots. The active runway was Runway 16, indicating a significant crosswind component.
Aircraft Damage
The extent of damage to the aircraft was not specified in the available information.