CESSNA 305A near Fort Pierce, FL — 2010-05-06

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was practicing touch and go landings with the tailwheeled airplane to runway 27. During his seventh landing, the "wind velocity increased and a crosswind developed." As the airplane touched down, it veered to the left and departed the grass runway. The pilot reduced engine power and attempted to regain control; however, the airplane’s left wing impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane. A weather observation taken approximately at the time of the accident, 15 miles from the accident site, recorded the wind as 190 degrees at 14 knots.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Pilot Interview Summaryinterview
• Photo 1: Showing damage to top of fuselage (Courtesy of the pilot)photos
• Photo 2: Showing damage to left wing leading edge (Courtesy of the pilot)photos
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport

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