Amateur-built LANCAIR N320J accident near Milton, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.

NTSB analysis

Following a local flight, the pilot attempted to land on runway 18. The pilot reported that, approximately 10 feet above the runway, a gust of wind caused the right wing to rise "about 30 degrees from level." Even though the pilot added power, "and put the ailerons and rudder full right," the airplane "did not respond" and veered to the left. The airplane impacted the ground to the left of the runway, substantially damaging the wings, tail, fuselage, and engine. The pilot sustained minor injury. The airport had an automated surface observing system (ASOS); however, it did not have the ability to record weather observations. The pilot stated that the ASOS reported "windshear" before his departure and that the winds were from 210 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 25 knots. The reported weather at nearby airports included gusty winds from the southwest, between 9 and 24 knots, before and after the accident. One of these airports reported a peak wind of 28 knots from 240 degrees approximately 4 minutes after the accident. The pilot reported that the pilot's operating handbook for the airplane stated that the maximum demonstrated crosswind was "20 knots."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA219 for the full record.