Cessna aircraft sustains substantial damage after runway excursion in crosswind

Casualties unknown • Bethel, AK, US

A commercial pilot aborted a landing due to a bounce and strong left crosswind, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway into trees. The pilot reported no mechanical issues prior to the incident.

What happened

The certificated commercial pilot was operating an aircraft with one passenger aboard when he attempted to land in conditions featuring a strong left crosswind. To align with the runway, the pilot had to apply a correction for the wind direction. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced, prompting the pilot to add full engine power in an effort to abort the landing.

During this maneuver, the aircraft veered to the right, leaving the paved surface on the right side of the runway. The right wing then struck a stand of trees located near the airfield boundary. Following the impact, the airplane rolled down an embankment, resulting in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage.

The investigation

Following the incident, the pilot provided a statement regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to the accident. He confirmed that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. This indicates that the structural failure was a direct result of the impact forces rather than a pre-existing mechanical defect.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout and aborted landing in strong crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-07-29 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Bethel, AK?

A commercial pilot aborted a landing due to a bounce and strong left crosswind, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway into trees. The pilot reported no mechanical issues prior to the incident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-07-29 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N6893B, at Bethel, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout and aborted landing in strong crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010816X01712. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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