BAYLISS MILTON A III X-AIR near Houlton, ME — 2012-07-26

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare in a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during the landing flare, he lost directional control of the airplane due to a crosswind. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and collided with the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported a variable-direction wind of 5 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Landing-flare/touchdown

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Witness Statementsinterview
• Photo 1- Front view of airplane at rest. Photo FAAphotos
• Photo 2- Right side view of airplane. Photo FAAphotos
• Photo 3 - Left side view of airplane. Photo FAAphotos

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