MOONEY AIRPLANE CO INC M20TN near Hilton Head, SC — 2012-07-24

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during the landing roll on runway 21, the airplane encountered a strong crosswind and veered sharply to the left. He attempted to correct the movement with aileron and rudder inputs and by retracting the flaps. The airplane continued left, departed the left side of the runway, and the left wing struck a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. The recorded wind was from 250 degrees at 6 knots about the time of the accident. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, nor did the pilot report any.

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
• Interview Summariesinterview
• Excerpts from Airframe, Engine, and Propellor Logsother
• Hilton Head Island (HXD) Meteorological Observationsother
• Photograph # 1: Left Wing Damage (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos

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