Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the go-around attempt. Factors contributing to the accident are gusty crosswinds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The Canadian private pilot stated that he was attempting to land on runway 33 at the Nehalem Bay Airport along the Oregon coast when the airplane encountered gusty winds and turbulence. The pilot stated that he added full power and attempted to go around. During the go-around attempt, he lost directional control of the airplane, and the airplane impacted trees along the west side of the runway. The pilot, passenger, and a ground eyewitness did not report any perceived preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The pilot further stated that he overflew the airport prior to the landing attempt and ascertained the wind conditions. He stated that he did not perceive any gusty crosswinds or turbulence until the final approach. The wind conditions at a coastal airport located about 25 miles north of the accident site reported 14 knot winds out of 270 degrees magnetic.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 2, 1997, about 1615 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172L, Canadian registry C-GICR, collided with trees during a balked landing and was substantially damaged near Manzanita, Oregon. The Canadian registered private pilot was seriously injured and his passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed Astoria, Oregon, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from Portland, Oregon, the pilot stated that he was attempting to land on runway 33 at the Nehalem Bay Airport in Manzanita when the airplane encountered gusty winds and turbulence. The pilot stated that he added full power and attempted to go around. During the go-around attempt, he lost directional control of the airplane, and the airplane impacted trees along the west side of the runway. The pilot, passenger, and a ground eyewitness did not report any perceived preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The pilot further stated that he overflew the airport prior to the landing attempt and ascertained the wind conditions. He stated that he did not perceive any gusty crosswinds or turbulence until the final approach. The wind conditions in Astoria about the time of the accident were reported at 14 knots out of 270 degrees magnetic. Astoria is located about 25 nautical miles north of the accident site along the Oregon coastline. -