What happened
The pilot reported that during the final approach for landing on runway 01, the aircraft was subjected to a sudden crosswind gust. This wind event caused the airplane to deviate from its intended flight path, swerving sharply to the right. As the aircraft corrected or reacted to this movement, the left wing dipped significantly. The tip of the left wing made contact with the runway surface during this maneuver. Following the wing-tip strike, the aircraft lost stability and nosed over.
The investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board reviewed the pilot's account of the event. No mechanical failure or pre-existing condition was identified as a contributing factor to the incident based on the available information. The investigation focused primarily on the environmental conditions and the pilot's control inputs during the landing phase.
Findings
Meteorological data indicated that the wind was coming from 100 degrees at a speed of 7 knots, with gusts ranging between 10 and 15 knots. These conditions were sufficient to cause the lateral instability described by the pilot. The sequence of events suggests that the crosswind gust exceeded the pilot's ability to maintain directional control and wing level during the critical phase of landing.
Safety message
Pilots should remain vigilant for sudden changes in wind speed and direction, particularly during final approach and touchdown. Crosswind components, even when moderate, can lead to loss of control if not managed with appropriate technique and awareness.