Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot in command's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing and attempted go around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot-in-command was landing on a grass runway with a 70 degree crosswind of 12 knots gusting to 18 knots. After touchdown, the right wing began to lift and the pilot attempted a go around. The left wingtip dragged the ground and the airplane became airborne as it departed the left side of the runway. Unable to clear trees, the pilot intentionally reduced power, landed and impacted the trees.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 8, 1994, at 1519 central daylight time, a Boeing B75-N1, N68135, operated by Edward Midgley of Geneva, Illinois, impacted trees during a landing go around at Woodlake Landing Airport, Sandwich, Illinois, and was substantially damaged. The commercial rated pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a local pleasure flight. The pilot reported that while landing on runway 18 (1,800'x200', turf), with winds estimated from 230 degrees magnetic at 12 knots gusting to 18 knots, a sideward drift developed and the right wing began to lift up. The pilot attempted a go around, dragged the left wingtip on the ground, and became airborne. The pilot reported that when he realized he would not clear trees, he reduced power to land. The airplane contacted trees, substantially damaging all 4 wings, the wing center sections, and rupturing fuel lines. No fire occurred and the pilot had to assist the front seat passenger in egressing the airplane. -