Casa 212-200 N349TA accident near Savoonga, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in a gusting crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The crew noted overcast skies, light rain, and a gusty crosswind prior to landing on runway 5, which was approximately 4,400 feet long by 100 feet wide and composed of gravel. The captain, who was the pilot flying, noted that he used full flaps during the landing approach and had to make significant corrections for the crosswind, which was reported to be from 010 degrees at 26 knots, gusting to 34 knots. The captain reported that during the landing roll, despite the use of differential power and other control adjustments, he could not maintain directional control and the airplane went off the right side of the runway. Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane’s flight manual suggests not using full flaps while landing in strong crosswind due to controllability issues and also recommends that the pilot reduce the crosswind component if the runway conditions are slippery.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC09LA104 for the full record.