On May 19, 1995, a Ryan NAVION (registration N4568K) was involved in an aviation accident near Sturgis, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the attempted landing and go-around. A factor was the crosswind weather condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the pilot's sixth landing attempt, the airplane descended to about six feet, was blown east, engine sounded like full power, then pitched up and rolled right, cartwheeling on impact. No evidence of flight control or engine malfunction was found.
Accident Sequence
A witness observed the airplane during its sixth landing attempt. According to the witness, the aircraft descended to approximately six feet above the ground before being blown east of the runway. The noise from the engine increased to what the witness described as sounding like full power. Subsequently, the pitch of the airplane increased, and it rolled to the right. The aircraft then cartwheeled as it impacted the terrain.
Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the wreckage was conducted. The inspection revealed no evidence of flight control or engine malfunction. The landing gear, flaps, and respective controls were found in the full down positions.