On September 25, 2003, a Cessna 305A (registration N5237G) was involved in an aviation accident near New Richmond, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control. The pilot's in-flight selection of the wrong runway and excessive application of brake pressure are contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, a gust of wind from the right caused the airplane to veer left and lift its right wing. The pilot's insufficient aileron input led to a bounce, left wingtip contact, propeller strike, and nose over.
Accident Narrative
The airplane nosed over after losing directional control during the landing roll. According to the pilot, a gust of wind from the right caused the airplane to veer to the left and raise its right wing. The pilot stated that he failed to apply enough right aileron control to counteract the crosswind. The airplane bounced, the right wing lifted, and the left wingtip struck the runway surface. When the pilot applied the brakes, the propeller contacted the runway, and the airplane subsequently nosed over.
Pilot Comments
The pilot acknowledged that he should have entered a traffic pattern more favorable to the existing wind conditions. He also noted that he should not have used the brakes once directional control was lost.