On July 4, 2005, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7440K) was involved in an aviation accident near Nome, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in the collapse of the main landing gear, and a nose over. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot aborted a ridgeline landing after a gust lifted the right wing; during the aborted landing, the right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over.
Accident Description
A private pilot was conducting a landing on a ridgeline. A right crosswind required correction during the approach. During the landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the right wing. In response, the pilot applied full right aileron and full engine power in an attempt to abort the landing. As the airplane began the aborted landing, the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently nosed over. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the landing was being made on a ridgeline, which necessitated compensation for a right crosswind. While rolling on the ground, a gust of wind raised the right wing. The pilot immediately applied full right aileron and added full engine power to abort the landing. During the aborted landing maneuver, the right main landing gear failed, causing the airplane to pitch forward onto its nose. The pilot indicated that the airplane had no mechanical issues prior to the accident.