Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

As the pilot returned to the local airport, the airport tower controller informed him of a storm cell approaching the airfield, issued a clearance to land, and reported winds from 70 degrees left of runway heading at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. The pilot estimated the winds at 18 knots of crosswind, and landed using 40 degrees of flaps. While on landing roll, the airplane experienced a shift in winds to a tailwind at which time the airplane began to drift to the right side of the 150-foot wide runway. The pilot attempted to go-around, but could not regain control of the airplane. He then elected to abort the go-around and attempted to bring the airplane to a stop. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and continued into a field. The airplane encountered uneven terrain and the airplane nosed over. Substantial damage was sustained to the airplane's wings and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions with the airplane. A review of Air Traffic Control transmissions revealed the pilot was aware of alerts for low-level windshear and microbursts during the his local flight. The airplane's pilot operating handbook directs pilots to utilize the minimum flap setting required for field length while operating in strong crosswinds. In addition, the handbook does not state a maximum allowable crosswind velocity, but states that average pilot technique should be able to handle 15 knots of crosswind. Winds at the times of the pilot's landing were between 23 knots and 32 knots of crosswind. The pilot loss of directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.