Primary finding
Probable cause
Inadequate compensation for wind conditions by the pilot. The gusty crosswind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After touchdown with a direct crosswind of 10 knots, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer off the runway into a ditch. At the time of the loss of directional control the engine rpm was near idle.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 3, 1995, about 1700 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502, N91955, registered to and operated by Rays Flying Service, experienced a loss of control during the landing roll at a private airstrip near Belzoni, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from the accident airstrip about 1 hour earlier. The pilot stated that while spraying he observed strong winds associated with a thunderstorm and flew back to the departure airport. After touchdown with a direct crosswind of about 10 knots, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer off the runway into a ditch. He further stated that the engine rpm was near idle at the time of the loss of directional control. -