SUNRIVER, OR, USA
N8444S
PIPER PA-28-181
UPON ARRIVAL IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRPORT THE PILOT IN COMMAND COMMENCED A VISUAL APPROACH TO RUNWAY 18. DURING HER APPROACH SHE ASCERTAINED A STRONG WESTERLY CROSSWIND. WITNESSES REPORTED GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS. DURING THE LANDING FLARE THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN DRIFTING LEFT. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO EXECUTE A SUCCESSFUL GO AROUND BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A TREE 200 FEET EAST OF THE RUNWAY CENTERLINE.
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. THE GUSTY CROSSWIND WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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