Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for the reported crosswind conditions resulting in the wings contacting the ground.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that his airplane was cleared to land on a runway with a 50-degree, 8-knot crosswind. At 10 to 20 feet above the runway, a "gust" blew the airplane to its left, the left wing struck the ground, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest with substantial damage to the wings and the airframe. When asked, the pilot said the accident could have been prevented by requesting a runway with more favorable wind. He also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that his airplane was cleared to land on a runway with a 50-degree, 8-knot crosswind. At 10 to 20 feet above the runway, a "gust" blew the airplane to its left, the left wing struck the ground, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest with substantial damage to the wings and the airframe. When asked, the pilot said the accident could have been prevented by requesting a runway with more favorable wind. He also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.