Cirrus Design Corp SR20 N506SR accident near Louisburg, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to compensate for gusting crosswind conditions and subsequent loss of directional control following an aborted go-around attempt, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the purpose of this flight was to perform closed-traffic pattern operations at the departure airport. Shortly after departure, the pilot noticed increased wind on the downwind leg and during the turn to final approach. Once on final approach, he initially flew at an indicated airspeed of 65 knots. The pilot then accelerated the airplane to 80 knots “to maintain control” and because “final approach was longer than usual, and the PAPIs [precision approach path indicators] indicated I was low.” He crossed the threshold left of the runway centerline, then at 15 to 20 ft above the runway, the pilot reduced engine power to idle. At the same time, he encountered a gust of wind and the airplane yawed to the left. The pilot attempted to perform a go-around, but touched down with the airplane’s nose pointed 20° to 25° left of the runway heading. He then reduced the engine power to idle and applied right brake to keep the airplane on the runway. The airplane continued to the left, departed the runway, and struck a lighting assembly for the precision approach path indicator. The airplane passed through an area of grass and impacted an embankment east of the runway. During the runway excursion, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA081 for the full record.