CR 1, N142DT: Accident occurred March 11, 2018 at Blue Heron Airport (N25), Guilderland, Albany County, New York

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albany, New York

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N142DT

Location: Altamont, NY
Accident Number: GAA18CA158
Date & Time: 03/11/2018, 1200 EDT
Registration: N142DT
Aircraft: JOHNSON GERALD CR-1
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that, while on approach to a snow-covered airstrip, there was a quartering right gusty crosswind. He added that about 100 ft. above the ground, the right wing raised up, and he attempted to correct to no avail. He added that the airplane was about 90° off of course to the left, and he chose to go between two trees. Subsequently, the left wing impacted a tree, separated from the airplane, and the airplane came to rest nose down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system about 9 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 12 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The pilot landed on runway 27. 

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 the runway heading during the approach in gusting crosswind conditions.

Findings

Aircraft
Heading/course - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Crosswind - Effect on operation
Gusts - Effect on operation
Tree(s) - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Part(s) separation from AC

Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 52, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/31/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/31/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 587 hours (Total, all aircraft), 288 hours (Total, this make and model), 549 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 36 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: JOHNSON GERALD
Registration: N142DT
Model/Series: CR-1 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 01
Landing Gear Type: Ski; Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/27/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 881 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: C90-8F
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 90 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSCH, 378 ft msl
Observation Time: 1645 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 37°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / -6°C
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 3600 ft agl
Visibility:  15 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots/ 21 knots, 280°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SHARON SPRINGS, NY (K31)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Delanson, NY (N25)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1035 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: BLUE HERON (N25)
Runway Surface Type: Snow
Airport Elevation: 1200 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Snow
Runway Used: 27
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2600 ft / 70 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries:1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 42.736944, -74.066111 (est)