What happened
During an approach to a private airstrip, a pilot attempted to land an aircraft despite being aware that the prevailing crosswinds exceeded the established regulatory limitations for the airframe. The pilot, who was experiencing fatigue following a demanding flight through turbulent conditions, observed a southeast wind direction that would necessitate a left crosswind landing.
To manage the wind, the pilot approached the runway on an offset track, crossing the threshold with a significant crab angle. After aligning the aircraft with the runway centerline, a three-point landing was executed at stall speed. While the initial contact with the ground was stable, the decreasing airspeed rendered the rudder ineffective at countering the strong lateral wind. This caused the aircraft to veer toward a ditch located on the left side of the runway. In an attempt to correct the drift, the pilot applied full braking to the right wheel. This maneuver caused the left wing to lift, leading the aircraft to roll onto its right wheel and tailwheel. The momentum caused the aircraft to pivot toward the wind, eventually flipping the aircraft onto its back.
The investigation
SHK examined the sequence of the landing and the pilot's decision-making process leading up to the event. The investigation established that the pilot was cognizant of two critical risk factors prior to touchdown: the wind speed exceeded the aircraft's certified crosswind capabilities, and the pilot was suffering from fatigue due to the strenuous nature of the preceding flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to land despite conditions being unsuitable for a safe operation, driven by a strong desire to conclude the flight.
- The pilot misjudged his ability to manage the aircraft under the existing environmental stresses.
- Fatigue resulting from a long and turbulent flight acted as a contributing factor, impairing the pilot's decision-making capabilities.