Aircraft veers off runway during attempted go-around

Casualties unknown • New Smyrna Bch, FL, US

A pilot lost directional control of an aircraft during a rejected takeoff following a crosswind landing, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

What happened

Upon entering the traffic pattern, the pilot decided to land on the active runway rather than utilizing a runway better aligned with the prevailing wind, citing heavy traffic density in the pattern. The pilot executed a wheel landing using full flaps.

As the aircraft touched down, it encountered a crosswind from the right, which caused the airplane to yaw toward the right. In an attempt to execute a go-around, the pilot applied full power and full left rudder. However, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway. The pilot subsequently aborted the takeoff attempt. The airplane came to rest on the grass adjacent to the runway, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot was not injured.

Findings

The pilot noted that directional control could have been better maintained in the crosswind conditions had the landing had been performed by touching down with the right main gear and tailwheel first.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on a runway not aligned with the wind, combined with the application of full power and left rudder during a go-around in crosswind conditions, led to a loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-01-31 Piper PA-18-150 accident near New Smyrna Bch, FL?

A pilot lost directional control of an aircraft during a rejected takeoff following a crosswind landing, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-01-31 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N5975Z, at New Smyrna Bch, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land on a runway not aligned with the wind, combined with the application of full power and left rudder during a go-around in crosswind conditions, led to a loss of directional control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09488. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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