GAA18CA452

Factual narrative

The pilot reported during a telephone interview that, while landing in variable wind conditions, his approach speed was fast, and that during the landing roll, the wind pushed the airplane off the runway to the right. He added that he did not apply full braking action. The pilot reiterated on the NTSB Form 6120.1 that, during the landing roll, a strong crosswind gust pushed the airplane off the right side of the runway into bushes. He described the wind as variable and gusting but did not report the wind speed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located about 10 miles south-southwest from the airport reported that, about 34 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 290° at 8 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 26 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 310° at 5 knots. The airplane landed on runway 3. The pilot reported during a telephone interview that, while landing in variable wind conditions, his approach speed was fast, and that during the landing roll, the wind pushed the airplane off the runway to the right. He added that he did not apply full braking action. The pilot further stated that, during the landing roll, a strong crosswind gust pushed the airplane off the right side of the runway into bushes. He described the wind as variable and gusting but did not report the wind speed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located about 10 miles south-southwest from the airport reported that, about 34 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 290° at 8 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 26 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 310° at 5 knots. The airplane landed on runway 3. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Surface speed/braking-Incorrect use/operation
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-(general)-Contributed to outcome