NTSB: crosswind overcorrection caused CRJ700 to strike both wingtips at Atlanta

US investigators have found that a MHIRJ CRJ700 struck the runway with both wingtips while landing at Atlanta on 26 February. The cause, according to their determination, was the captain's failure to sufficiently compensate for gusting crosswinds.

The aircraft, operated by Endeavor Air on behalf of Delta Connection, had flown in from Montgomery, Alabama. During descent it hit light turbulence that intensified as it passed through 1,000 feet while lined up with the instrument landing system for runway 27L. The captain, who was flying, told the National Transportation Safety Board that the autopilot was disengaged to assess the aircraft's behavior. The approach continued.

Around 100 feet above the ground, the first officer noted the airspeed was 10 knots above reference. That prompted a small thrust adjustment from the captain. As the flare began near 30 feet, a gust caused the aircraft to balloon and lose crosswind correction, according to the captain's account. The left wing reportedly dipped and scraped the runway, prompting a go-around call. In attempting to level the wings during the recovery, the captain said an overcorrection caused the right wing to scrape as well.

The first officer's account was consistent with the captain's version of events. Control was subsequently handed to the first officer, who completed a second approach and landed the aircraft safely.

Investigators noted that the CRJ700's low ground clearance leaves little roll margin before a wingtip strike can occur. Weather data recorded around 20 minutes before the incident showed gusts of 30 knots from 210 degrees.

None of the 68 people on board was injured, though the aircraft sustained damage to the leading-edge slats and wingtips on both sides.