19990426003879A

Acft crashed under unknown circumstances while landing and sustained substantial damage. (.4) the private pilot was landing the amphibious float plane on runway 08. The runway was wet, and winds were reported to be 070 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 29 knots. The pilot told the NTSB iic, and the FAA, that he was aware that strong 90 degree left crosswinds occur near the center of the runway during these conditions. He described using a large amount of left aileron during final approach due to the left crosswind, and intentionally landed on the left side of the 100 feet wide runway, anticipating strong gusts. The pilot said the initial landing roll felt normal, and the airplane drifted to the right during rollout. He said that as the airplane slowed, a strong left gust lifted the left wing, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The pilot said he did not recall any preaccident anomalies with the airplane. An air taxi pilot who departed the airport about 40 minutes earlier, reported telling the accident pilot in flight that the winds were '20 to 25 knots with gusts to at least 30. Direct crosswind from the left and that it was pretty nasty.' The pilot responded, ' doesn't sound too good.' The accident pilot had accumulated about 40 total hours of amphibious experience, all in the accident airplane. (-23) subject aircraft departed juneau international airport approximately 1700 hours and proceeded direct to Haines, Alaska. Upon landing on runway 08 at Haines, the aircraft veered right off the runway after touch down and crashed, coming to rest in the chilkat river which borders the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings, tail, fuselage, and floats. Winds were reported from 050 at 18 knots, with gusts to 29 knots. An eye witness stated that he saw the aircraft touch down and then the left wing came up and the aircraft veered to the right. He heard the applicaiton of engine power as the aircraft disappeared over the runway embankment into the river.