NTSB Factual Report

On December 21, 2002, at approximately 1500 central standard time, a Beech BE-35 airplane, N9096Q, registered to and operated by private individuals, was substantially damaged during a loss of control while landing on Runway 22 at the Denver City Airport (E57), near Denver City, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from La Porte, Texas, and its intended destination was Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 686-hour pilot reported to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, that shortly after departure, a passenger became "air sick", so the pilot elected to land at the Denver City Airport. Upon landing on Runway 22, and while correcting for a crosswind after touchdown, the pilot initiated a go-around. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, and the aircraft departed the runway to the left after a ground roll of approximately 1,400 feet and struck an embankment resulting in structural damage to the airframe.

Despite several attempts, the pilot failed to return the completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

At the time of the accident, the winds were reported from 250 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 22 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear sky, temperature at 18 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 10 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.91 inches Mercury. The density altitude was calculated by the Investigator-In-Charge at 4,781 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the prevailing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the crosswind.