Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the gusty crosswind. The wind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while landing on rwy 29, about 10 ft above the runway and over the threshold, a gust of wind pulled up the left wing putting the right wing on the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 16, 1995, at 1300 central standard time, a Cessna 172H, N8078L, registered to Fred L. Crow, Jr., of Bellevue, Nebraska, and piloted by a private pilot, received substantial damage during a landing on runway 29 (4,040' x 50' dry/asphalt) at Atkinson, Nebraska. The pilot and three passengers reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. A VFR flight plan was on file. The flight originated from O'Neill, Nebraska, at 1245. The pilot stated that the wind was 050 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts to 19 knots. He stated that during the landing a gust of wind under the left wing forced the right wing to the ground. -