Cessna T240 N94981 accident near Fort Myers, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the prevailing wind conditions while landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a sign.

NTSB analysis

The pilot approached the destination airport and noted that the tower air traffic controller was very busy due to the traffic load, and because the runway most favorable for the prevailing wind was closed due to a disabled aircraft. The tower controller subsequently cleared pilot to land on a runway where a nearly direct left crosswind at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots prevailed. The pilot described that upon landing, a gust of wind “pushed” the airplane off of the runway surface and it collided a taxiway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA039 for the full record.