This April 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.Aircraft: Cessna 172.
Location: Naples, Fla.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land in a crosswind. The airplane touched down in a slight crabbed attitude and to the left of the runway center line because of the crosswind. After touchdown, the pilot applied full engine power and full right rudder in effort to get the airplane onto the runway centerline.
The airplane veered sharply to the left. The pilot reduced power to idle and applied the brakes, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Cessna on the runway. The airplane went off the pavement and hit a runway marker sign.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
