Wind Gusts Cause Loss of Control During Landing

Casualties unknown • Grand Junction, CO, US

A pilot lost control during landing due to wind gusts, causing the aircraft to roll and impact terrain south of the runway with substantial damage.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft experienced a hard landing to the right while attempting to land. Attributing the event to wind conditions, the pilot applied additional power in an effort to stabilize the airplane. Despite these efforts, control was lost, and the aircraft rolled to the left. Several witnesses observed the airplane becoming airborne for a brief moment before impacting the terrain located on the south side of the runway. The impact occurred with the aircraft in a nose-down attitude.

The investigation

A subsequent examination of the airplane's systems revealed no mechanical anomalies or pre-existing defects that could have contributed to the accident. The weather conditions at the time of the event were reported as variable winds at 3 knots.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to this incident were the pilot's loss of control during the landing phase and the influence of wind gusts. Substantial damage was sustained by the aircraft upon impact with the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to wind gusts.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-07-26 Cessna 182T accident near Grand Junction, CO?

A pilot lost control during landing due to wind gusts, causing the aircraft to roll and impact terrain south of the runway with substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-07-26 involved a Cessna 182T, registration N1049V, operated by ON File, at Grand Junction, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to wind gusts.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070807X01128. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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