Cessna 182 N6569M accident near Houston, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing in gusty wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 15. The pilot stated that the reported wind was from 150° at 15 knots, gusting 20 knots, and during the landing flare, a wind gust caused the left wing to rise rapidly. The pilot attempted corrective control inputs; however, the right wing subsequently contacted the runway, resulting in a loss of directional control. The airplane veered to the right, departed the runway surface, and entered a ditch. The right wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA157 for the full record.