Primary finding
Probable cause
inadequate compensation for wind conditions by the private pilot, and failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to ensure that directional control of the aircraft was maintained. The gusty/crosswind (weather) condition was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during rollout, at the conclusion of an instructional flight, she lost control of the airplane while encountering 'a strong gust of wind (which) picked up the left wing and lifted the plane to the right.' the airplane veered off the runway and was substantially damaged when a wing contacted the ground. According to the flight instructor, the local wind was '50 degrees off the center of the runway,' and 'was considerably different than that which was reported on the atis.' the instructor also reported that 'during landing rollout, a gust of wind, possibly a dust devil, caught the left wing and began lifting it up.' the airplane veered to the right and exited the runway despite the fact that the left aileron was fully deflected to the left.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 15, 1995, at 1102 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182Q, N228PP, landed on runway 30 at the Palo Alto of Santa Clara County Airport, Palo Alto, California. The private pilot reported that during rollout she lost control of the airplane upon encountering "a strong gust of wind (which) picked up the left wing and lifted the plane to the right." The airplane veered off the runway and was substantially damaged when a wing contacted the ground. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. Neither the certificated flight instructor nor the dual student was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the instructional flight which originated from Palo Alto around 0930. According to the flight instructor, the local wind was "50 degrees off the center of the runway," and "was considerably different than that which was reported on the (automated terminal information service) ATIS." The instructor further reported that during landing rollout a gust of wind, possibly a dust devil, caught the left wing and began lifting it up." As the airplane veered to the right and exited the runway, the left aileron was fully deflected to the left. -