Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while conducting flight maneuvers he encountered inclement weather. After electing to divert to a nearby airport, he encountered gusting wind and rain showers in the landing pattern. He was unable to land on his first approach due to a gusting crosswind. After conducting a go-around and reattempting a landing approach, the pilot was unable to align the aircraft due to the wind and attempted a second go-around. However, the gusting wind caused him to lose control of the airplane, which subsequently impacted the ground. During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and firewall. The wind in the vicinity was reported to be 15 knots with gusts of 28 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while conducting flight maneuvers he encountered inclement weather. After electing to divert to a nearby airport, he encountered high winds, gusting winds, and rain showers in the landing pattern. He was unable to land on his first approach due to a gusting cross wind. After conducting a go-around, reattempting a landing approach, the pilot was unable to align the aircraft due to the winds and attempted a second go-around. However, the gusting wind caused him to lose control of the airplane and subsequently impacted the ground. During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and firewall. Winds in the vicinity were reported at 15 knots with gusts of 28 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.