Crosswind Landing Bounce Leads to Wing Tip Impact

Casualties unknown • Ontario, OR, US

A pilot practicing crosswind landings experienced a bounce on final approach. Despite applying full aileron correction, the aircraft turned into the wind, resulting in a left wing tip and landing gear impact.

What happened

The pilot was conducting proficiency training focused on takeoffs and landings in a 10-knot crosswind condition. Utilizing runway 14, the pilot reported that the wind was blowing from 220 degrees at 10 knots. Prior to the incident, five successful landings were completed without issue.

On the final approach of the session, the aircraft bounced upon touchdown and settled into a three-point attitude. During this phase, the upwind wing began to rise unexpectedly. The pilot attempted to correct the situation by applying full aileron input; however, these efforts were insufficient to prevent the airplane from turning into the wind.

The uncontrolled turn resulted in the left wing tip striking the ground. The impact caused significant structural damage, specifically wrinkling the wing surface and bending the left main landing gear strut.

The investigation

Post-acc examination of the aircraft revealed physical evidence consistent with the pilot's account. The left wing exhibited wrinkling at the tip area, and the left main landing gear strut was found to be bent. These damages align with the reported sequence of events involving a bounce followed by an uncontrolled ground turn during a crosswind landing attempt.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in a ground contact event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-06-07 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Ontario, OR?

A pilot practicing crosswind landings experienced a bounce on final approach. Despite applying full aileron correction, the aircraft turned into the wind, resulting in a left wing tip and landing gear impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-06-07 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N5814D, at Ontario, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in a ground contact event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050624X00867. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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