NTSB Factual Report

On June 6, 2003, at 1115 eastern daylight time, a Cessna R172K, N736AT, was substantially damaged while landing at the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport (W66), Warrenton, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that he was performing practice go-around's to runway 32, a 4,103-foot-long, 60-foot-wide, asphalt runway. On his third approach, as the right wheel touched down, and the left one began to settle, the airplane began to veer left. The pilot immediately added full throttle to attempt a go-around, but the airplane was almost instantly in the tall grass at the edge of the runway. The pilot retarded the throttle and applied the brakes, but the airplane continued into a ditch, coming to rest inverted.

The pilot added that the accident could have been prevented if he had paid more attention to the airplane's alignment while landing, and the sudden changes in wind direction.

The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical malfunction with the airframe or engine.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings, and the vertical stabilizer. The inspector did not observe any anomalies with the flight controls.

The weather observation at the Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), located approximately 12 miles northeast of W66, at 1055, included winds from 310 degrees at 10 knots with 14 knots of gust, visibility 10 statute miles, sky condition clear, temperature 71 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point temperature 52 degrees Fahrenheit, altimeter setting 30.05 inches of Hg., and a wind shift was reported 6 minutes past the hour.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation the shifting wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control. A factor related to the accident was the shifting wind conditions.