Amateur-built CH701 N701LD accident near Oakdale, California

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions while landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he observed a strong crosswind from the right while on final approach to the destination airport. Just prior to touchdown, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway centerline. The airplane continued to drift and touched down in a grass-covered field adjacent to the runway surface. While on the landing roll, the airplane traveled downslope and the nosewheel became embedded in the terrain surface, resulting in it nosing over to an inverted position. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred structural damage to the rudder. The pilot recalled that the wind velocity at the time of the accident was about 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA243 for the full record.