Cessna 402C N223PB accident near Isla De Vieques, Puerto Rico

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a strong crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot was conducting a scheduled commuter flight. The pilot reported that, shortly after touchdown, the airplane encountered a wind gust and subsequently veered off of the runway. During the runway excursion, the landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe.

A postaccident examination of the landing gear and braking systems revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Although no archived weather information was available at the accident airport, the nearest weather reporting station recorded wind at the time of the accident that would have resulted in a direct 20-knot right crosswind. A review of the Pilot's Operating Handbook showed that the airplane had a maximum-demonstrated crosswind component of 15 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA125 for the full record.