On 25 Sep 2012, a CESSNA 150 operated by Ronald Yearman was involved in an aviation accident near St Johns, AZ. No fatalities were reported. 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 NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported gusting crosswinds reversed during landing flare, causing the airplane to swerve and collide with a dirt berm, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and horizontal stabilizer.
Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a landing at a private dirt airstrip encountered gusting crosswind conditions. According to the pilot's report, as the airplane flared to land, the wind direction reversed. The airplane subsequently swerved and collided with a dirt berm, sustaining substantial damage.
Damage Assessment
The collision resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the landing was being performed under gusting crosswind conditions. During the flare, the winds reversed, leading to the loss of directional control and the subsequent collision with the dirt berm.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot