Piper PA-28-180 N8401W accident near Globe, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that as he approached Runway 27 at the destination airport he became aware of the 8-knot surface wind from 180 degrees. According to the pilot, the airplane's approach from the traffic pattern was stable. When descending over the runway numbers he brought the airplane out of a wind correction crab and lowered the left wing in anticipation of touching down first on the upwind wheel. At this time, the airplane began drifting sideways away from the runway. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the flight path, the airplane continued veering away from the runway. The pilot applied full engine power and commenced a go-around over the ground to the side of the runway. Prior to gaining altitude, the airplane collided with trees and brush near midfield, but about 360 feet south of the runway's centerline. No mechanical malfunction was experienced with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA238 for the full record.