Cirrus SR22 N616AB accident near Trenton, New Jersey

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent substantial damage.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing with a crosswind, before touchdown, a wind gust pushed the airplane left. The airplane touched down, the pilot attempted to correct, but the airplane exited the runway to the left. The left wing struck the ground, and the empennage separated.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

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

An automated weather observation station located 15 miles southwest of the accident site reported that, about 16 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 090° at 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was variable from 080° to 110° and gusting between 12 and 18 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 06.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA322 for the full record.