Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing cross wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Ground witnesses observed the aircraft on short final for runway 32 with a 50 degree left cross wind at 12 knots with gusts to 15 knots. The witnesses stated that on very short final, control of the aircraft seemed to be lost and it collided with a berm and a fence off the right side of the runway. The pilot said that when he arrived over the airport the UNICOM was reporting winds from 280 at 10 to 15 knots. The pilot stated that just after touchdown he 'received a hard gust from the left.' He reported that the aircraft lifted and started to move to the right, then it hit a runway light. The pilot said he applied power in an attempt to go around; however, the landing gear hit an embankment off the right side of the runway. The aircraft became airborne, hopped over a fence, rolled to the right and cart wheeled to an inverted resting position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 17, 1993, at 1024 Mountain standard time, a homebuilt experimental Sanders Pitts S1C, N128DS, crashed during landing at Saint Johns, Arizona, following a loss of control. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the cross country personal flight. The aircraft was destroyed in the ground collision sequence. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at Show Low, Arizona, on the day of the mishap at about 1000 hours. Ground witnesses observed the aircraft on short final for runway 32 at the Saint Johns airport with a 50 degree left cross wind at 12 knots with gusts to 15 knots. The witnesses stated that on very short final, control of the aircraft seemed to be lost and it collided with a berm and a fence off the right side of the runway. In his statement, the pilot said the UNICOM was reporting winds from 280 at 10 to 15 knots. The pilot stated that just after touchdown he "received a hard gust from the left." He reported that the aircraft lifted and started to move to the right, then it hit a runway light. The pilot said he applied power in an attempt to go around; however, the landing gear hit an embankment off the right side of the runway. The aircraft became airborne, hopped over a fence, rolled to the right and cart wheeled to an inverted resting position. -