What happened
On 22 December 2025 at 1640, a pilot was conducting circuit operations with one passenger on board a Cessna 150H at West Sale Airport, Victoria.
In contrast to the recorded weather conditions, the pilot identified a left-hand crosswind via the aerodrome windsock for the one runway available. Alternate grass runways were unavailable due to rain in the preceding 24 hours.
During landing in the crosswind on runway 27, the pilot ‘crabbed’ by yawing[1] the nose of the aircraft into the wind to prevent the aircraft from drifting off the centreline. The pilot assessed that the approach was stable and proceeded to touch down. During rollout, after the flare, the aircraft encountered a gusting wind, resulting in the aircraft ballooning[2] and yawing to the right. In response, the pilot attempted to counteract with a left yaw. However, the conditions exceeded the aircraft’s capabilities and the aircraft was carried to the right, and the right wheel contacted the runway surface. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing tip struck the ground before the aircraft veered off the runway.
The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft without injuries, and the aircraft was substantially damaged (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Damage to the Cessna 150H right landing gear
Source: Aircraft owner
Safety message
Crosswind gusts during the later stages of landing can present challenges for pilots. Depending on the magnitude and direction of the gust, there may be insufficient time to apply corrective controls before the aircraft deviates from the intended path.
Once the aircraft wheels touch down, it's important to remain focused and use your rudder to keep the aircraft straight, even after you have touched down, to retain control and stability.
About this report
Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.