What happened
During an approach to runway 20, the pilot of a turbine-powered airplane encountered significant wind fluctuations. While attempting to land amidst gusting crosswinds, the pilot observed a distinct shift in wind direction. In response to these changing conditions, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. However, the aircraft was struck by a sudden gust that forced it into a heavy impact with the ground.
Following the hard landing, the aircraft drifted off the runway to the right before swerving back toward the left side of the pavement, eventually coming to a stop. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical issues or malfunctions present in the aircraft prior to the event that would have prevented standard operation.
Local weather data from the automated observation system at the airport confirmed that, at the time of the incident, winds were blowing from 270 degrees at 19 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was a sudden change in wind direction and intensity during the landing phase.
- The aircraft was subjected to a heavy landing following a failed attempt to stabilize the approach during a go-around.