Cessna 172P N23FR accident near Camarillo Airport, California

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gusts and failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he performed a go-around on the previous approach due to what he described as a "stiff crosswind". During the second approach and landing, the airplane touched down on the runway and the pilot raised the wing flaps. He stated that the airplane was "buffeted around by wind" and he applied power to initiate a takeoff. The pilot stated that as the airplane's speed increased, it veered left from the runway centerline and exited the runway. After exiting the runway, the airplane encountered soft terrain and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that the winds at the time of the accident were variable at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA152 for the full record.