Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing and go around. The crosswind and gusty wind conditions were factors in the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot landed with strong crosswinds and gusts. He was unable to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, and executed a go-around. He stated that during the go-around the airplane headed towards the wind tee. He was able to fly over the wind tee. The pilot stated that another gust of wind hit him, and he was unable to maintain control. The airplane impacted the ground and a concrete fuel tank on the downwind side of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 3, 1995, about 1610 Pacific daylight time, N1887G, a Champion 7-GCBC airplane, operated by the pilot/owner, collided with an object during go around at Moses Lake, Washington, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot, a landing was attempted on runway 16 at the Moses Lake Municipal Airport prior to the accident. During the landing, a gusting right crosswind prevailed and the airplane veered to the right after touchdown. The pilot attempted to correct for the drift by adding full left rudder, but to no avail. The pilot stated that he then added full power and began to go around for another attempt. During the takeoff, another gust of wind forced the airplane to continue turning toward the wind tee. The pilot said he made the airplane fly over the wind tee and ended up on the ground on the other side of the runway with the right wing up in the air. The airplane began to cartwheel and the left wing was substantially damaged when the aircraft collided with a concrete fuel container. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions associated with the airplane. The reported wind conditions near the time of the accident at a nearby airport (Grant County) indicated that the winds were blowing from a magnetic bearing of 250 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots. -