On April 8, 2011, a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 (registration N51RF) operated by U.S. Department of Commerce was involved in an aviation accident near Eden Prairie, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind while landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot lost directional control while landing in a crosswind, causing the airplane to veer off the runway and sustain substantial damage. No mechanical issues were found.
Incident Description
The pilot executed a stabilized visual approach with a right crosswind. After touchdown on the runway centerline, the airplane began to drift to the right. The pilot overcorrected for this drift, causing the airplane to veer sharply to the left. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and skidded to a stop. During the excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wingtip struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to both the fuselage and the wing.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed no preimpact anomalies. The pilot also reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind while landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.