On May 25, 2003, a Cessna A185F (registration N6578E) was involved in an aviation accident near Guymon, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot lost directional control while landing on runway 18 due to a 10-knot crosswind, causing the aircraft to veer left and depart the paved surface.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing operation on runway 18 when he encountered a 10 knot crosswind. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to drift laterally. The pilot attempted to correct the trajectory but was unable to maintain directional control. Consequently, the airplane veered significantly to the left and departed the runway surface.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft for any signs of mechanical failure or operational anomalies. The inspection revealed that there were no mechanical defects or anomalies reported or found with the airplane prior to or during the event. The flight controls and systems appeared to be functioning within normal parameters.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the incident was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control in the presence of a crosswind condition. The pilot had reported over 1136 hours of total flight time, which included 432 hours in make and model experience, suggesting that the loss of control was not due to a lack of general aviation proficiency but specifically related to the handling of the aircraft during this specific landing phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.