The pilot reported that, while landing at the airport in Union City, Tennessee, the Cirrus SR22 encountered a crosswind gust and drifted left.
At touchdown, a second gust lifted the right wing, the airplane drifted off the runway centerline, and the left wing hit grass.
The pilot added power, however the left wing continued to drag in the grass. The airplane left the runway, and the landing gear collapsed.
Examination of the wings revealed substantial damage due to delamination of both wing spars.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 20 knots with gusts to 28 knots.
The pilot was landing on Runway 19, which resulted in a crosswind component of 19 knots gusting to 26 knots.
The manufacturer’s pilot’s operating handbook stated, “The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability as well as aircraft limitations. Operation in direct crosswinds of 20 knots has been demonstrated.”
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and the left wing hitting grass.
This December 2019 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.
