This February 2009 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 T210. Injuries: None. Location: Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land. The approach was normal until short final, when a gust of wind forced the airplane to the ground. It pancaked into soft sand short of the runway and nosed over. A witness about 1/4 mile north of the runway said as the airplane approached the runway he saw the tail move sideways and then straighten out. As the airplane got close to the runway it appeared to drop suddenly.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting wind conditions.
Are you kidding me? A “gust” of wind slammed this 210 to the ground? The pilot slammed it in the ground. Caused by unskilled use of power, rudder & airspeed! Are you kidding me!!!!!