Cirrus Design Corp SR20 N135CD accident near Brunswick, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a strong, gusting crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the approach to the runway, he listened to the automatic terminal information service, which noted that the wind was from 270 degrees at 16 knots and gusting to 26 knots. The pilot chose to continue the approach and, during the landing flare, a gust of wind forced the airplane left and down. The left wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest upright in a grassy area off the left side of the runway. The impact resulted in damage to the left wing, right flap, undercarriage, propeller, and firewall. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He had accumulated a total flight experience of 84 hours of which 12 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA150 for the full record.