Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure (or inability) to adequately compensation for wind conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty crosswind condition and the snowbank.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot landed the airplane on runway 16 in winds that he reported were from the west at 28 to 30 mph. During the landing, the airplane veered to the right into a snowbank and sustained substantial damage. About 45 minutes before the accident, the wind was reported to be from 280 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 18 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 21, 1996, at 1900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32- 260, N4883S, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on landing at the Aitkin, Minnesota Municipal Airport. The airplane exited the runway to the right and the right wing impacted a snow drift on the right edge of the runway. The pilot reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed O'Neill, Nebraska about 1600. The pilot reported that winds were 28 to 30 mph from the west. He was landing on runway 16 (3,398' x 75' dry/asphalt). He said that the wind picked up the right wing and although he was able to level the wings he was unable to keep the airplane from departing to the runway to the right. Weather observations taken at the accident airport at 1815 (45 minutes prior to the accident), indicated the wind to be 280 degrees at 8 knots, with gusts to 18 knots. -