Cessna 680 N96HE accident near Statesville, North Carolina

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the business jet reported that during an instrument approach to runway 28, while crossing the initial approach fix, he received the automated weather observation system (AWOS) wind report, which stated the wind was from 190° at 9 knots. He flew the instrument approach uneventfully at reference speed plus 20 knots until landing was assured and then reduced engine power. After touchdown, the airplane drifted right and the pilot corrected back toward centerline; however, the airplane then turned sharply left and exited the left side of the runway, striking a windsock and taxi light before coming to rest upright on a grass area. The airplane’s right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Review of recorded weather data revealed that 25 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 170° at 6 knots. The recorded wind 5 minutes before the accident was from 190° at 16 knots, gusting to 26 knots. Given this information, it is likely that the pilot had outdated wind information was not aware of the severity of the left crosswind, which contributed to his loss of directional control while landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA339 for the full record.