Amateur-built Quantum N5125A accident near West Terre Haute, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the crosswind during the go-around. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind condition and the trees.

NTSB analysis

The experimental weight-shift-control aircraft was attempting to land on a north/south private grass airstrip when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that the winds were from the east at 10-15 knots. A nearby weather station recorded the wind to be from the southeast at 10 knots. The crosswind limitation for the airplane was 10 mph (9 knots), according to the aircraft operation manual. The pilot initially attempted a low pass over the runway heading south, but was unable to compensate for the crosswind and the airplane drifted to the right. He elected to perform a go-around and attempt a landing to the north. During the subsequent approach, he was unable to maintain runway heading again and elected to go-around. During the go-around the airplane drifted into trees off the side of the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA013 for the full record.