Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

According to the accident report submitted by the pilot, he encountered a gust of wind during the landing flare to runway 20 (8,519 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). The pilot stated that a gust brought the left wing up and he added power to recover and the airplane "straightened out." He stated that he reduced power to land and encountered a second gust of wind, bringing the left wing up again. The right wing impacted the runway and the airplane "ground looped." The engine separated from the airplane, the right wing tip was crushed, and the left tire separated. An examination of the airplane's systems, conducted by the FAA Inspector, revealed no anomalies. The pilot did not report any problems with the airplane or its systems.

The closest official weather observation station was San Luis Valley regional Airport/Bergman field (ALS), Alamosa, Colorado. The routine aviation weather report (METAR) for ALS, issued at 1152, reported, winds, 240 degrees at 27 knots, gusting 36 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; sky condition, clear; temperature 27 degrees Celsius (C); dewpoint, 01 degrees C; altimeter, 30.25 inches. The crosswind component was calculated to be between 17 and 23 knots. According to the Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for this airplane is 20 knots. the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing. Contributing factors include the gusty winds, the crosswind, and the pilot exceeding the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the airplane.