Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft after initiating a go-around, which resulted in the right wing contacting the ground. The unfavorable wind condition was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he landed on runway 22 with a quartering left crosswind at 15 gusting 20 knots. He elected to go around after touching down. However, during the go-around, the aircraft banked to the right, and the right wing contacted the ground. The aircraft then yawed to the right and came to rest off the right side of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 9, 1996, about 1130 eastern standard time, a Piper J-3, N6666H, registered to Browns Seaplane Base Inc., crashed while landing at the Winter Haven Municipal Airport, Winter Haven, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Winter Haven, the same day, about 1100. The pilot stated that he planned to make a wheel landing. The aircraft touched down at a slow airspeed and he initiated a go-around. The aircraft's right wing dipped and contacted the ground. The aircraft turned to the right, 270 degrees from runway heading, and came to rest off the right side of the runway. -