Aircraft Runway Excursion During Crosswind Approach (N43Y)

Approach and Pilot Report The pilot stated that he monitored the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) while inbound to Runway 19R, noting reported winds from 230 degrees at 12 knots. While on downwind, the pilot observed a twin-engine aircraft land and noted its crab angle for crosswind effects. The pilot reported that he did not hear the local controller provide gust advisories while in the traffic pattern. According to the pilot, about 50 feet above the runway, the aircraft encountered a strong downdraft that brought it to the runway and back up to about 40 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot attempted a go-around, but the aircraft contacted the ground near the runway edge, left the pavement, and ran into the grass area between the runways. The aircraft collided with several runway signs and sheared off the landing gear. ## Radio Communications and Weather Data Transcripts of recorded air-to-ground radio communications revealed that the aircraft was sequenced behind another aircraft and cleared to land at 1340:37. At 1341:39, in response to a request by another aircraft for the current winds, the controller broadcast, “Wind two four zero at one two.” The official weather observation taken immediately after the accident reported winds from 270 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots.