NTSB Factual Report

On March 30, 2005, about 1050 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172L, N7832G, veered off runway 8R and nosed over after touchdown at Chino Airport (CNO), Chino, California. Alliance International Aviation operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The cross-country flight departed Henderson Executive Airport (HND), Las Vegas, Nevada, about 0845, with a planned destination of Chino. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). He stated that he checked the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) for Chino, which indicated that a runway change was in progress and the winds were at 20 knots. About 10 miles outside of CNO he contacted tower personnel and requested, and received, a clearance to land on runway 8. Tower personnel informed him that winds were 040 degrees at 20 knots. During the approach the pilot said he had to "apply significant right aileron" in order to maintain the runway heading. After turning onto final, he input "significant left aileron" in order to maintain the runway heading, and applied right rudder to keep the nose of the airplane in line with the direction of travel. The pilot noted his airspeed at 70 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS), and added 10 degrees of flaps. As he got closer to the runway, he didn't feel comfortable with the landing setup. He initiated a go-around and set up for another landing.

During the second approach, the pilot extended the downwind leg and increased the airspeed to 80 KIAS. He requested a wind check; tower personnel reported winds from 040 degrees at 22 knots, gusting to 30 knots. He was able to maintain a stabilized approach and continued the landing. Upon touchdown, he "felt a gust of wind" and noted that the airplane's right wing dipped down and the nose pitched forward. The propeller struck the runway; the airplane veered to the right of the runway, and ultimately nosed over, leaving the airplane inverted. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident.

The routine aviation surface weather (METAR) report from Chino Airport, at 1053, reported winds from 050 degrees (variable from 020 degrees to 080 degrees) at 14 knots, gusting to 22 knots, with 10 miles visibility. The METAR, at 1153, reported winds from 060 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 24 knots. Airport management personnel indicated that at the time of the accident the winds were from 040 degrees, with no wind velocity reported.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusting crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control.