Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for the crosswind which resulted in loss of directional control during the flare/touchdown. A factor in the accident was the crosswind component.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the flare/touchdown on runway 36, he encountered a left crosswind. He stated that the left wing came up, and he corrected using the aileron, but the airplane turned 35 degrees to the right and exited into a bean field where it nosed over. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Thursday, September 23, 1993, at 1635 eastern daylight time, N53730, a Bellanca 7GCBC, owned by Ned L Bechtel of Delta, Ohio, and piloted by David S Bechtel of Ohio, nosed over during landing at Fulton County Airport, Wauseon, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local, personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. The pilot stated that he encountered a left crosswind when he was landing on runway 36. He said the airplane touched down, and during rollout, the left wing came up. The pilot stated that he corrected using the aileron, but the airplane turned 35 degrees to the right of the centerline and exited onto a grassy area where it nosed over. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunctions. -