19 Apr 2014: CESSNA A185E — Richard Skevington

19 Apr 2014: CESSNA A185E — Richard Skevington

No fatalities • Somerville, NJ, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty crosswind.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the amphibian airplane reported that as he was approaching the destination airport with the intention of landing on runway 30. During the approach, the recorded weather information at the airport indicated a left crosswind at 9 knots, gusting to 12 knots. On final approach, the crosswind was stronger than the pilot expected. The airplane touched down on the asphalt runway, but then drifted left off the runway and into the grass. The nosegear and right float dug into the soft turf, which resulted in a noseover. During the noseover, the right wing impacted the ground and the airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing. The recorded wind at the destination airport, shortly after the accident, was varying between 270 and 010 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • Effect on operation
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 000/11kt, vis 10sm

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