Runway Excursion Involving Single-Engine Aircraft

No fatalities • Eden Prairie, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft veered off the runway during landing due to pilot overcorrection following a crosswind drift, resulting in structural damage.

What happened

During a landing sequence, the pilot executed a stabilized visual approach while managing a right-hand crosswind. Although the aircraft type initially made contact with the runway centerline, the wind caused the plane to drift toward the right side of the runway. In an attempt to compensate for this lateral movement, the pilot applied a correction that caused the aircraft to swing sharply to the left.

As a result of this sudden movement, the plane exited the left side of the runway and slid across the ground until it reached a full stop. The impact of the excursion caused the right main landing gear to collapse and led to the right wingtip striking the terrain. The incident resulted in substantial damage to both the wing and the fuselage.

Findings

An investigation into the event confirmed that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions present during the flight. A post-accident inspection of the aircraft showed no signs of pre-impact anomalies. The primary factor in the excursion was the pilot overcorrecting for the wind-induced drift during the landing roll.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to correct a rightward drift caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left and exit the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-04-08 Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 accident near Eden Prairie, United States of America?

An aircraft veered off the runway during landing due to pilot overcorrection following a crosswind drift, resulting in structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2011-04-08 Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-04-08 involved a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500, registration N51RF, operated by U.S. Department of Commerce, at Eden Prairie, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to correct a rightward drift caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left and exit the runway.

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