On April 10, 2000, a Cessna 305A (registration N4583V) operated by James Hoyle was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to adequately compensate for a crosswind condition, resulting in a loss of directional control and collision with a rock. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on runway 19 with a 4-knot crosswind, the pilot flared high, causing a bounce. After touchdown, the tail swung left; brake application led to a veer and collision with a boulder 30 feet from the runway.
Accident Details
According to the pilot's report, the winds were from 270 degrees at 4 knots, and runway 19 was in use. During the landing flare, the pilot flared high, resulting in the airplane bouncing. To manage the bounce, the pilot added power. As the airplane settled to the runway in a three-point landing attitude, the tail swung to the left.
Pilot Actions
The pilot tapped the left brake in an attempt to realign the airplane. This action caused the airplane to suddenly veer left by 30 degrees relative to the runway heading. In response, the pilot applied right aileron, right rudder, and added power. Despite these inputs, the airplane departed the runway at an angle approximately 20 degrees off the runway heading and collided with a boulder located 30 feet from the edge of the runway.