Aircraft excursion at private airstrip following wind gusts

Casualties unknown • Brackettville, TX, US

An aircraft veered off a private runway and struck a fence during the landing roll after encountering crosswinds, resulting in structural damage.

What happened

During the landing roll onto a private airstrip on a heading of 195 degrees, the pilot encountered a left front quartering crosswind. The nose of the aircraft initially turned to the left, and despite the pilot taking corrective action, the direction could not be corrected.

In an attempt to straighten the aircraft with the runway and avoid further complications, the pilot applied full power in an effort to take off. However, as full power was applied, the nose of the aircraft swung to the far right and failed to respond to leftward inputs. The aircraft subsequently departed the right side of the runway and struck a fence. The aircraft came to rest at the edge of Highway 131.

At the time of the accident, the airstrip owner reported variable winds from the east at 10 mph, with gusts reaching 20 mph. During these gusts, the wind sock was observed turning more than 30 degrees. The impact resulted in structural damage to the airframe near the main landing gear attaching points. No injuries were reported.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway after the pilot applied full power during a landing roll in the presence of variable crosswinds, causing the nose to swing to the right.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-15 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Brackettville, TX?

An aircraft veered off a private runway and struck a fence during the landing roll after encountering crosswinds, resulting in structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-15 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N2357Z, at Brackettville, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway after the pilot applied full power during a landing roll in the presence of variable crosswinds, causing the nose to swing to the right.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04270. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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