Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While flaring for a crosswind landing, the pilot allowed the airplane to drift left off the runway. Full power was added to go around, but the left wing tip contacted the ground and the airplane impacted terrain 90 degrees to the runway. Wind from 170 degrees varying in speed from 13 to 20 knots was reported at 1150 cdt at hobby airport 15 miles northeast. The pilot reported wind was from 160 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20. The maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the airplane was 17 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 7, 1995, at 1200 central daylight time, a Beech F33A, N18413, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing near Houston, Texas. The private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight from Batesville, Texas. The pilot reported that, while he was flaring the airplane for landing on runway 09 at Houston Southwest Airport (AXH), he noticed he was drifting toward the left side of the runway. He further stated that full power was applied in an attempt to go around; however, the left wing tip contacted the ground. The airplane impacted at a 90 degree angle to the runway and slid through a grassy area and across a taxiway before coming to rest. Damage included separation of the nose landing gear and deformation of the engine support beam and firewall. At 1150 central daylight time, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) located 15 miles to the northeast was reporting wind from 170 degrees varying in speed from 13 to 20 knots. Pilot reported wind was from 160 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20. According to the manufacturer, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for a Beech F33A is 17 knots. -