| Crash location | 33.626945°N, 111.900000°W |
| Nearest city | Scottsdale, AZ
33.509210°N, 111.899033°W 8.1 miles away |
| Tail number | N794SA |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 11 Nov 2002 |
| Aircraft type | Cessna 182T |
| Additional details: | None |
On November 11, 2002, about 1430 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182T, N794SA, collided with runway lights and a sign on the landing rollout from runway 21 at the Scottsdale Airport (SDL), Scottsdale, Arizona. The pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight departed SDL about 1300 for the local area personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
In the pilot's written statement, he reported that he had received the automatic terminal information service (ATIS) broadcast about 20 miles from Scottsdale. ATIS reported winds to be from 250 degrees at 10 knots. He established radio contact with Scottsdale tower personnel. The pilot stated that the winds reported by tower personnel were from 270 degrees at 15 knots. The pilot reported that on a 5-mile final, tower personnel reported winds to be from 310 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
The pilot stated that due to the strong winds he decided not to use full flaps for landing. He reported that the airplane touched down on centerline at 65 knots. The pilot stated that on the landing rollout, the surface winds pushed him to the left of the runway. He made unsuccessful attempts to slow down and maintain control of the airplane. While attempting to maintain control and bring the airplane to a stop, the pilot saw what he believed was a light box. He would have maneuvered to avoid the box, but thought the airplane would "cartwheel." His main objective was to bring the airplane to a controlled stop. The airplane impacted runway lights and a taxiway sign before coming to a stop upright. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
The pilot stated that the accident "could have been prevented if [he] had received more landing prractice, including crosswind practice in this particular type aircraft (high wing)." The pilot reported that he had 5 hours flight time in the accident make and model of airplane.
An aviation routine weather report (METAR) issued at 1353 reported winds from 330 degrees at 9 knots. A METAR issued at 1453 reported winds from 310 degrees at 8 knots.
The pilot's failure to apply adequate crosswind compensation, which resulted in a loss of directional control. Factors were the crosswind and the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of airplane.