Aircraft Excursion During Landing Roll Due to High Crosswinds

Casualties unknown • Douglas, WY, US

An aircraft departed the left side of the runway during the landing roll of a cross-country flight, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.

What happened

At the conclusion of a cross-country flight, the aircraft was performing a landing on runway 5. During the landing roll, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway. As a result of the excursion, the right wing sustained substantial damage upon impacting the ground.

Weather conditions at the time of the accident included winds from 010 degrees magnetic heading at 27 knots, with gusts reaching 34 knots. These conditions resulted in a calculated direct crosswind of 17 knots, which increased to a peak gust direct crosswind of 23 knots.

While the aircraft's operating handbook lists a demonstrated crosswind capability of 12 knots, the aircraft's certification requirements under 14 CFR Part 23 do not require published crosswind limitations.

Probable cause

The aircraft departed the runway during the landing roll due to crosswind conditions that exceeded the demonstrated crosswind capability listed in the operating handbook.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-08-21 Cessna 180K accident near Douglas, WY?

An aircraft departed the left side of the runway during the landing roll of a cross-country flight, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-08-21 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N61782, at Douglas, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft departed the runway during the landing roll due to crosswind conditions that exceeded the demonstrated crosswind capability listed in the operating handbook.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21714. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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