Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. A factor associated with the accident was the crosswind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated the crosswind landing was uneventful until the flare when the crosswind quit. She stated that the airplane traveled to the right of the runway then a gust caused the right wing to raise. She stated she banked to the right in an attempt to lower the wing and the airplane traveled off the right side of the runway where it came to rest on a 4 foot high embankment.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 11, 1995, at 1630 central standard time, a Forney F- 1 Aircoupe, N7515C, flown by a private pilot collided with the terrain following a loss of control on landing at the Estherville Municipal Airport, Estherville, Iowa. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured. The local flight originated at 1530 cst. The landing was being made on runway 16 (4,797'x 75'). The pilot stated she was correcting for the right crosswind and everything was normal until the flare. She stated that during the flare the crosswind "quit" and the airplane began to travel off the side of the runway. She stated a gust of wind then caught the right wing raising it. She reported she turned to the right in an attempt to lower the wing and the airplane traveled off the side of the runway where it came to rest on top of a 4 foot high embankment. Local winds were reported as 230 degrees at 8 knots. -