Amateur-built RV 6 N833DW accident near Borger, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing and during the subsequent aborted landing attempt in crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot stated that, during approach to the airport, the weather observation system reported variable winds of 4 to 6 knots, which was less than forecast. While on short final approach for landing to runway 21, the pilot experienced "strong updrafts from unusual landforms," and when the airplane landed about halfway down the runway, he experienced "strong gusts causing swerving." The airplane was departing the side of the runway when the pilot chose to abort the landing by applying full engine power. The airplane was unable to outclimb the rising terrain off the side of the runway and subsequently impacted the ground and a fence.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded weather information showed winds consistently from 220° at 23 to 32 knots, which would have resulted in a crosswind component of between 2 and 6 knots. The strong updrafts the pilot experienced would have been consistent with mechanical turbulence, which could have been confirmed by wind indications from the airport windsock(s).

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA172 for the full record.