Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions while on approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that she made two landing approaches to the north, but each attempt resulted in a go-around because she was unable to maintain runway alignment due to a strong crosswind. The pilot decided to make the next approach to the south. She stated that while on final approach the airplane suddenly lost altitude, collided with terrain short of the runway, and nosed over. The airplane's engine firewall, vertical stabilizer, and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane. A witness located at the airport reported that the wind was out of the west at 16 knots. A review of nearby weather stations indicated that the wind was variable from the south-to-northwest between 5 and 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that she made two landing approaches to runway 36, but each attempt resulted in a go-around because she was unable to maintain runway alignment due to a strong crosswind. The pilot decided to make the next approach to runway 18. She stated that while on final approach the airplane suddenly lost altitude and collided with terrain short of the runway and subsequently nosed-over. The airplane's engine firewall, vertical stabilizer, and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane. A witness located at the airport reported that the wind was out of the west at 16 knots. A review of nearby weather stations indicated that the wind was variable from the south-to-northwest between 5 and 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots.