CESSNA 172
Black River Falls, WI — October 8, 2017
Event Information
| Date | October 8, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA005 |
| Event ID | 20171010X14233 |
| Location | Black River Falls, WI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.25195, -90.85139 |
| Airport | BLACK RIVER FALLS AREA |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing in a gusting crosswind, the airplane landed on the left wheel first. He added that "all of a sudden it was like a huge gust of wind took the plane and just threw it to the right". The propeller struck the runway; the airplane exited the runway to the right and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 9 knots, gusting 17 knots. The airplane landed on runway 26.
The pilot's operating handbook contains a section titled "Crosswind Landing". It stated in part:
"The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability rather than aircraft limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 knots can be handled with safety."
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.