Cirrus Design Corp SR22 N703TP accident near Laramie, Wyoming

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to land with a crosswind that exceeded the airplane’s demonstrated capability, which resulted in the airplane banking left and the wing striking the ground.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions, as the tires touched down, a wind gust lifted the airplane off the ground. The airplane drifted to the left off the runway centerline, and he added full power to initiate a go-around. The airplane suddenly banked "uncontrollably" to the left, and the left wing struck the ground, which resulted in the airplane coming to rest on its belly. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of local weather from an automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 270° at 39 knots, gusting to 51 knots. The pilot landed on runway 21.

The Pilot's Operating Handbook stated that, for crosswind landing,

Normal crosswind landings are made with full flaps. Avoid prolonged slips. After touchdown, hold a straight course with rudder and brakes as required. The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability as well as aircraft limitations. Operation in direct crosswinds of 21 knots has been demonstrated.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA192 for the full record.