On May 6, 2007, a Cessna 150M (registration N45316) operated by Sonoma Skypark Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Sonoma, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed the left side of runway 26 after landing in gusty crosswinds, crossing a field before striking a ditch. The pilot reported no mechanical issues prior to the incident.
What happened
The airplane touched down on runway 26 while encountering a right crosswind originating from 360 degrees with a sustained speed of 19 knots and gusts reaching 28 knots. Shortly after landing, the aircraft veered off the runway to the left side. It then traversed an adjacent field before colliding with a ditch.
The investigation
Following the event, the pilot was interviewed regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to the incident. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures detected during the operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.