Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 172N, N75903; accident occurred June 15, 2019 at Lebanon Springfield Airport-George Hoerter Field (6I2), Springfield, Kentucky

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Louisville, Kentucky

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 
 
https://registry.faa.gov/N75903

Location: Lebanon, KY
Accident Number: GAA19CA367
Date & Time: 06/15/2019, 1000 EDT
Registration: N75903
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a "big gust of wind," and the airplane veered left. The airplane exited the runway, impacted a ditch, and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings.

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 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 11. The calculated crosswind component was about 14 knots.

The manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook stated, "The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability as well as aircraft limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 knots can be handled with safety."

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 during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion, impact with a ditch, and subsequent nose-over.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation
Crosswind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 58, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
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: 08/03/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/20/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 292 hours (Total, all aircraft), 292 hours (Total, this make and model), 203 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 16 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N75903
Model/Series: 172 N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17268027
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/11/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5956.8 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:  Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320-H2AD
Registered Owner: Lexington Flying Club
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: Lexington Flying Club
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: 6I2, 871 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:1410 UTC 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Georgetown, KY (27K)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lebanon, KY (6I2)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 0900 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: LEBANON SPRINGFIELD-GEORGE HOE (6I2)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 871 ft
Runway Surface Condition:Dry 
Runway Used: 11
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5001 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  37.633611, -85.241944 (est)