Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing, which resulted in the airplane cartwheeling.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, about 50 ft above the runway, a wind gust from the south caused the airplane to drift. The pilot added that she attempted to go around but was unsuccessful. The right wing impacted the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot, the wind about the time of the accident was variable from 6° to 8°, gusting to between 10 and 12 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 28.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, about 50 ft. above the runway, a gust of wind from the south caused the airplane to drift. The pilot added that, she attempted to go-around but was unsuccessful. The right wing impacted the ground and subsequently, the airplane cartwheeled. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot, the wind about the time of the accident was variable from 6° to 8°, wind gusts 10 to 12 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 28.