Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, and his resultant failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing flare.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that during the landing, the aircraft ballooned slightly to about 10 feet above the surface. He reported that he then added power and attempted to lower the aircraft down to the runway surface. The pilot said that at approximately 5 feet above the ground, the left wing lost lift and dropped. The aircraft then turned left and veered off the runway. The weather observation taken at the airport at the time of the accident was reporting winds from 250 degrees at 8 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 4, 1997, at 0709 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 172, N7359A, veered off runway 21 and collided with a fence while performing touch-and-go pattern operations at the Goodyear, Arizona, airport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight originated from the Paradise Airport in Buckeye, Arizona, for a local area personal flight at 0630 on the morning of the accident. In his written report, the pilot stated that during the landing the aircraft ballooned slightly to about 10 feet above the surface. He reported that he then added power and attempted to lower the aircraft down to the runway surface. The pilot said that at approximately 5 feet above the ground, the left wing lost lift and dropped. The aircraft then turned left and veered off the runway. The aviation surface weather observation taken at the airport at the time of the accident was reporting winds from 250 degrees at 8 knots. -