CESSNA T210L near Santa Fe, NM — 2008-12-24

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land in gusty crosswinds, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the crosswinds.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing a night visual landing to runway 20. He stated this was the only runway available for night landings. During the approach winds were 290 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots. After touchdown the airplane went to the right and impacted a snow drift beside the runway. The maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for this airplane was 21 knots. Examination of the airplane revealed that both wing spars were bent.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Decision Making / Judgment

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