Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the gusty wind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
When the airplane crossed the threshold to land on runway 16, the 'sink rate increased dramatically' and the 'right wing dropped and struck the runway.' After touching down on the main landing gear, the airplane exited the right side of the runway, and the nose gear collapsed. Five minutes after the accident, recorded winds 22 miles from the site were from 180 degrees at 22 knots with gusts to 26 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 23, 1996, about 1245 central standard time, a Cessna 172N, N737UP, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during landing at Rockwall Municipal Airport, Rockwall, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by E-Systems Flying Club. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot and the three passengers were not injured. The Title 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight originated about 45 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported that he was "carrying small amount of extra power/speed for wind shear and turbulence being experienced" as he made an approach to runway 16. When he crossed the runway threshold, the "sink rate increased dramatically" and the "right wing dropped and struck runway." The airplane touched down on the main landing gear and exited the right side of the runway. The nose gear collapsed and the firewall and fuselage structure around the rudder pedals sustained damage. The pilot reported winds at the time of the accident were from 160 to 180 degrees at 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots. Five minutes after the accident, recorded winds at Dallas Love Field, 22 nautical miles from the site, were from 180 degrees at 22 knots with gusts to 26 knots. -