Amateur-built JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER N234HW accident near Brainerd, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing that resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was flying an approach in a 90-degree, 20 knot crosswind, when during the landing on the grass runway, the wind pushed the airplane sideways and it subsequently impacted the terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the wind was 080o at 8 knots with gusts to 17 knots. The pilot reported he was attempting to make a short field landing and was “flying below stall speed”.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA370 for the full record.