Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper flare, improper recovery from a bounced landing, inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, while landing in gusty/crosswind conditions. The gusty, crosswind condition was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while approaching the airport, he was advised by Unicom of a westerly wind, and he decided to land using runway 33. He indicated that he made a bounced landing, a gust lifted his left wing, and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane veered off the runway, collided with a 3,000-foot runway distance remaining sign, and came to rest in the dirt about 50 yards east of the runway. According to the pilot, the wind speed was 10 to 15 knots with gusts to 20 knots. Runway 33 was 5,500 feet long by 150 feet wide.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 28, 1996, at 1630 hours mountain standard time, a Boeing B75-A75N1, N54284, operated by the pilot, crashed following touchdown at the Page Municipal Airport, Page, Arizona. The pilot stated that the accident occurred during his loss of control following a bounced touchdown on runway 33. During rollout, a wind gust lifted the airplane's left wing, the airplane veered off the runway, collided with a 3,000-foot runway distance remaining sign, and came to rest in the dirt about 50 yards east of the runway. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight which originated from Colorado City, Arizona, at 1500. The pilot reported that when approaching the airport he was advised by Unicom of the existence of a westerly wind. He stated that he observed the airport's windsock, and he estimated the wind speed at 10 to 15 knots, with gust to 20 knots. -