CEN15CA203

Factual narrative

The pilot configured the airplane for a crosswind landing on runway 36 using cross controlled inputs. He flared and touched down in a 3-point attitude. After rolling 150 to 200 feet down the runway, the airplane began a slow right turn. He attempted to correct by applying left rudder and light braking, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The left main landing gear was torn off, and the left wing was bent upward after striking the ground.At the time of the accident, the wind was from 100 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots. According to AeroPlanner.com "Wind Calculator and Wind Speed Measurement," these conditions would result in a 13.7 to 17.7 knot crosswind component, and a 2.5 to 3.2 knot tailwind component. In the 1950s, maximum crosswind components were not published by airframe manufacturers, but today light general aviation airplanes are limited to a direct crosswind component of 15 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 36. After touching down, the airplane began a slow right turn. The pilot attempted to correct by applying left rudder and light braking, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway, and was substantially damaged. The wind was from 100 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots, which resulted in a 13.7 to 17.7 knot crosswind component, and a 2.5 to 3.2 knot tailwind component. Most light general aviation airplanes are limited to a direct crosswind component of 15 knots. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action selection-Pilot - C
• F Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Contributed to outcome - F