Raytheon Aircraft Company A36 N981PA accident near Hayden, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

During a straight in approach to land to runway 28, the pilot flew the airplane with a side slip while maintaining runway centerline. At about ten feet above the runway a gust of wind blew the airplane right of centerline and the pilot corrected the airplane back to the runway's centerline. Upon touchdown, the pilot reported that a crosswind blew the airplane's nose to the right, the airplane touched down 10 to 20 degrees right of runway heading, and exited the right side of the runway, making contact with objects off the runway. Both wings sustained substantial damage. Winds reported on the field about the time of the accident were 250 degrees at 23 knots with gusts to 29 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident that would have resulted in abnormal operation of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA037 for the full record.