What happened
The aircraft was conducting a landing approach when it encountered significant wind shear. The pilot was managing the final phase of the operation, specifically the landing flare, on runway 31. During this critical moment, the wind conditions were unstable, with gusts coming from the north and northwest.
As the aircraft touched down, the pilot struggled to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline. The combination of the crosswind component and the gusty nature of the wind made it difficult to maintain proper heading. Despite attempts to correct the drift, the pilot was unable to keep the aircraft on the desired path.
The investigation
Investigators examined the weather data recorded at the time of the accident. The winds were blowing from the north and northwest at a speed of 15 knots, with gusts reaching up to 22 knots. These conditions created a challenging environment for landing, particularly for aircraft requiring precise directional control during the flare and touchdown phases.
The investigation focused on the pilot's response to these environmental factors. It was determined that the pilot did not apply the necessary flight control inputs to counteract the crosswind and gusts effectively. This lack of proper correction led directly to the loss of directional control upon landing.
Findings
Several key factors contributed to this incident. The primary issue was the pilot's failure to properly input the correct flight control response during the landing flare. This error prevented the aircraft from maintaining directional control as it touched down on the runway.
The weather played a significant role in the outcome. The gusty crosswind conditions from the north and northwest created a hazardous environment that required skilled handling. The wind speed of 15 knots, with gusts to 22 knots, exceeded the stability needed for a straightforward landing without precise control inputs.
Gusty crosswind conditions were a major contributing factor. The pilot's inability to manage these winds resulted in the loss of control. This incident highlights the importance of proper technique when dealing with variable wind patterns during landing operations.