Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing, and his failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft after touched down. Factors relating to the accident included the pilot's abrupt movement of the throttle as he attempted to initiate a go-around, the strong/gusty/quartering crosswind, and a ditch near the edge of the airstrip.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot made an approach to land on runway 28 with with the wind from 310 degrees at 25 gusting 40 knots. He encountered a strong gust just as the aircraft touched down. Because he was having trouble controlling the aircraft in the strong wind, he initiated a go-around, but advanced the throttle (in a manner that he believed was) too abrupt, resulting in a loss of engine power. He then transitioned back to the landing, but did not keep the aircraft from departing the side of the runway. After the aircraft departed the runway, it hit a ditch and nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 7, 1996, approximately 1500 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182G, N3126S, operated and being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a loss of control while landing on the pilot's private airstrip near Hardin, Montana. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated at Glasgow, Montana. The pilot reported that upon arrival at his private strip, he encountered strong crosswinds, gusting to 40 knots, and blowing about 30 degrees from the runway heading. On his second attempt to land to the west, the aircraft was hit by a strong gust just as it touched down, and because he was having trouble controlling it in the strong winds, he attempted to go around. As he initiated the go-around, he abruptly applied power, resulting in the engine momentarily losing power. He then transitioned back to a landing, and during the ground roll, the aircraft departed the runway, rolling into a shallow ditch and nosing over. -