Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA00LA002

IDAHO FALLS, ID, USA

Aircraft #1

N95CF

Beech F33A

Analysis

The pilot was landing in gusty, turbulent, variable winds. Just as the aircraft was touching down, it was hit by a strong crosswind, which caused it to veer to the left. While the pilot was making control inputs in order to keep the aircraft on the runway, it veered quickly back to the right, and then back to the left again. Upon veering to the left this second time, it departed the runway and impacted a nearby fence. The investigation revealed no evidence of control system malfunction or anomaly.

Factual Information

On October 16, 1999, approximately 1045 mountain daylight time, a Beechcraft F33A, N95CF, impacted a fence after departing the runway during the landing roll at Fanning Field, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft, which was owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which departed Crosby, North Dakota, about 0830 central daylight time, was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, who was landing in gusty, turbulent, variable winds, just as the aircraft was touching down, it was hit by a strong crosswind that caused it to veer to the left. While the pilot was attempting to correct for the sudden change in direction, the aircraft veered quickly back to the right and then back to the left again. During this second excursion to the left, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway and impacted a nearby fence. The investigation revealed no evidence of control system malfunction or anomaly.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. Factors include gusty, turbulent, variable crosswinds, and a fence in the vicinity of the runway.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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