Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor contributing to the accident was the wind gusts.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
In a written statement, the pilot reported that the winds were reported between 280 and 290 at 18 knots with gusts to 20. While on final for runway 31, the airplane was configured with no flaps extended, at an airspeed of 75 knots. The airplane touched down on the upwind wheel first, then 'gently lifted off the runway.' Soon after, the airplane banked to the left to a heading approximately 20 to 30 degrees left of the runway centerline. The pilot reports that he corrected to the right, but by this time the airplane was over the grass between the runway and the taxiway. Shortly thereafter, the airplane collided with the terrain. It rocked over onto the nose before settling back onto the main gear. In a verbal statement, the pilot said that he may have been 'relieved' to be on the ground following the initial touchdown, causing him to relax his crosswind correction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 28, 1997, at 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N52419, operated by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the airplane impacted the terrain during landing at Yankton Airport, Yankton, South Dakota. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was on file. The flight departed Yankton Airport at 1600 cdt for a local flight. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the winds were reported between 280 and 290 at 18 knots with gusts to 20. While on final for runway 31, the airplane was configured with no flaps extended, at an airspeed of 75 knots. The airplane touched down on the upwind wheel first, then "gently lifted off the runway." Soon after, the airplane banked to the left to a heading approximately 20 to 30 degrees left of the runway centerline. The pilot reports that he corrected to the right, but by this time the airplane was over the grass between the runway and the taxiway. Shortly thereafter, the airplane collided with the terrain. It rocked over onto the nose before settling back onto the main gear. In a verbal statement, the pilot said that he may have been "relieved" to be on the ground following the initial touchdown, causing him to relax his crosswind correction. -