As The Main Wheels Touched Down A Wind Gust From The Right Pushed The Airplane Off The Runway

Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Accident Number: CEN25LA145
Date & Time: March 24, 2025, 10:48 Local Registration: N439FJ
Aircraft: Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2002 Sierra MKII Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that the initial leg of the cross-country flight proceeded normally. As he approached the airport to land on the return flight, a right 80° crosswind prevailed. The first two approaches to runway 36 were not stable, and he decided to execute go-arounds. On the third approach, the crosswind was then gusting to 17 knots; however, the approach seemed to be stable, and the pilot continued with the landing. As the main wheels touched down a wind gust from the right pushed the airplane off the runway. The pilot’s efforts to maintain directional control were not successful, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway.

The airplane came to rest in the grass area adjacent to the runway with substantial damage to the firewall and engine mount. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions that might have contributed to the loss of control. The recorded wind at the time of the accident was 070° at 11 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov