Right wing scrape during landing roll due to wind gust

Casualties unknown • Kalispell, MT, US

A pilot experienced a wing scrape on the runway after a strong wind gust lifted the left side of the aircraft during the landing roll.

What happened

During the landing roll on runway 31, the pilot encountered a strong gust of wind that impacted the aircraft. The pilot reported that the wind lifted the left wing of the plane. At the time of this occurrence, the aircraft was traveling at a speed insufficient to maintain effective control against the wind. As a result of the lift under the left wing, the right wing scraped the runway.

Findings

There were no mechanical malfunctions or failures involved in the event. Weather observations from a nearby airport during the time of the accident indicated southwesterly winds with gusts reaching up to 21 knots. The gust factor, representing the difference between sustained wind speed and gust speed, was measured between 7 and 11 knots.

Probable cause

A strong wind gust caused the left wing to lift, resulting in the right wing scraping the runway while the aircraft was moving too slowly to maintain effective control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-06-19 Cessna 180G accident near Kalispell, MT?

A pilot experienced a wing scrape on the runway after a strong wind gust lifted the left side of the aircraft during the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-06-19 involved a Cessna 180G, registration N4707U, at Kalispell, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A strong wind gust caused the left wing to lift, resulting in the right wing scraping the runway while the aircraft was moving too slowly to maintain effective control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19121. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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