Aviation Accident Summary WPR10CA073

Diamond Point, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N20186

CESSNA 172M

Analysis

The pilot was landing at a non-controlled airport where variable gusty winds were present. While on final, she encountered a right crosswind and then both updrafts and downdrafts as she crossed over a cliff under the flight path. The pilot said that while the touchdown was uneventful, as the airplane slowed during the landing roll it encountered a right crosswind gust and the right wing lifted. Although the pilot attempted remedial flight control inputs and added power, the left wing scrapped the runway surface and the airplane rotated to the left, exposing it to a nearly direct tailwind. As the pilot attempted to bring it back under control, the airplane nosed over onto its back. According to the pilot, there was no indication of any problem with the flight control or nosewheel steering systems. The pilot also stated that the winds from the north were unusual for this airport, and that she based her assumptions as to what would happen on the runway on the normal westerly or southeasterly winds.

Factual Information

The pilot was landing at a non-controlled airport where variable gusty winds were present. While on final, she encountered a right crosswind, and then both updrafts and down drafts as she crossed over a cliff under the flight path. The pilot said that while the touchdown was uneventful, as the airplane slowed during the landing roll, it encountered a right crosswind gust, and the right wing lifted. Although the pilot attempted remedial flight control inputs and added power, the left wing scrapped the runway surface, and the airplane rotated to the left, exposing it to a nearly direct tailwind. As the pilot attempted to bring it back under control, the airplane nosed over onto its back. According to the pilot, there was no indication of any problem with the flight control or nose wheel steering systems. The pilot also stated that the winds from the north were unusual for this airport, and that she based her assumptions as to what would happen on the runway on the normal westerly or southeasterly winds.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable and unfavorable wind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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