Aircraft excursion during landing due to gusty crosswinds

Casualties unknown • Klamath Falls, OR, US

A pilot experienced a runway excursion during a full-stop landing after encountering sudden wind gusts that caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

What happened

Following an initial departure, the pilot flew south for approximately 10 minutes to another airport to perform about 10 touch-and-go landings. As winds at that location became variable and gusty, the pilot returned to the original departure airport. The pilot was cleared for a full-stop landing on runway 32.

While the touchdown itself was uneventful, a crosswind gust lifted the left wing during the landing roll. This caused the aircraft to begin veering from the runway heading. In an attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline, the aircraft turned sharply to the left, resulting in the right wing and right elevator making contact with the runway surface.

After taxiing to the parking area, the pilot spoke with another pilot who had landed just prior to her. This individual reported encountering similar gusty crosswinds. Both pilots estimated that the wind gusts reached as high as 15 knots.

The investigation

The pilot reported that there were no apparent issues with the aircraft's flight controls or the tailwheel steering system during the event.

Probable cause

A crosswind gust caused the left wing to lift and the aircraft to veer from the runway centerline during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-04-14 Cessna 180 accident near Klamath Falls, OR?

A pilot experienced a runway excursion during a full-stop landing after encountering sudden wind gusts that caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-04-14 involved a Cessna 180, registration N40LT, operated by Claren Nilsson, at Klamath Falls, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A crosswind gust caused the left wing to lift and the aircraft to veer from the runway centerline during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060420X00465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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