Accident Overview
On March 29, 2012, at 1715 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S airplane, registration N480SP, sustained substantial damage while landing at Mid-Way Regional Airport (KJWY) in Midlothian, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and owner-operator, was not injured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Flight Details
The flight departed Sportsman's World Airport (TA65) in Palo Pinto, Texas, around 1615, with KJWY as the intended destination. Earlier that day, the pilot had completed two takeoffs and one landing without any ground-handling difficulties.
Sequence of Events
During the landing on runway 18 (6,500 feet by 100 feet, asphalt), the pilot reported a 5-10 knot left crosswind. He maintained centerline alignment during the final approach and touchdown, and the touchdown itself was uneventful. However, during the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. Despite applying increased right rudder to regain directional control, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and impacted a ditch. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse.
Postaccident Examination
Inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the aircraft. The right wing primary structure and engine firewall sustained substantial damage. The nose wheel steering linkages fractured when the nose gear collapsed. Function tests of the cockpit rudder pedals confirmed proper operation, and a brake system function test revealed no mechanical anomalies. The examination did not find any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.
Weather Conditions
At 1715, the airport's automated surface observing system reported wind from 120 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 2,800 and 3,300 feet above ground level, temperature 25°C, dew point 17°C, and altimeter setting 29.84 inches of mercury.