On 12 May 2012, a RISHER JIMMY E VANS AIRCRAFT RV-8 was involved in an aviation accident near Pecos, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A pilot experienced a large wind gust during the landing roll, resulting in a 180-degree turn and substantial damage to the fuselage near the main landing gear attachment point.
Incident Details
A pilot reported that during an approach to a destination airport, the automated weather reporting station initially indicated a wind direction that differed from what he observed on the airport's wind indicators. After listening to an updated broadcast, the reported wind direction matched the ground indicators. The pilot then selected a runway based on the prevailing wind.
Sequence of Events
The landing and rollout were described as straight and without complications. However, approximately three-quarters of the way through the landing roll, the pilot felt a large wind gust on the right side of the airplane. The pilot stated that he did not have enough rudder authority to counteract the gust, and the airplane subsequently executed a 180-degree left turn.
Damage
During the 180-degree turn, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage near the main landing gear attachment point.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained