24 Sep 2015: CESSNA T182T T — Ely, NV

No fatalitiesEly, NV, United States

A pilot lost directional control during landing in crosswind conditions, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and strike an airport sign.

What happened

On September 24, 2015, a Cessna T182T, registration N5918D, was performing a landing in Ely, Nevada, under visual meteorological conditions with a 15-knot wind from 220 degrees. The pilot reported that she was actively compensating for a crosswind during the final approach.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft was at a slight angle and immediately veered to the right. Despite the pilot applying full left rudder and brakes, the airplane exited the runway. During the excursion, the left main landing gear and the left wing strut impacted a runway distance remaining sign. The impact caused substantial damage to the left wing strut. There were no injuries resulting from the accident.

The investigation

The pilot confirmed that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures present in the aircraft that would have prevented normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing phase while operating in gusty crosswind conditions, leading to a runway excursion and collision with an airport sign.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate