Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 2100; Flight Crew Type 200
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Ground Event / Encounter Object; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors; Weather
The Alturas airport sits at 4377 ft and the temp/dew point was 83/39 (deg F) resulting in a density altitude of approx. 7100 feet. ASOS at AAT reporting winds 260 deg at 20 gusting 28 kts. This wind direction bisected two appropriate runways (21 and 31). I selected runway 21 for landing as it was slightly wider although shorter. This resulted in a crosswind component of 21 kts. The [aircraft] had only about 20 gallons of fuel; but had pilot + 3 passengers and the CG was close to the aft limits. I performed a stable approach and executed a wheel landing; but in retrospect did not add extra airspeed to compensate for the gust factor. In the flare; the aircraft dropped suddenly due to mechanical turbulence created from the wind flowing over the hangars/FBO/trees on the NW side of the airport. After touchdown; the tail of the airplane moved to the left as a result of the weathervane tendency of the aircraft and I was slightly late to correct with full left rudder. I considered using the left brake to assist in the required lateral correction to remain on the runway; but I realized that I was quickly losing lateral control of the aircraft and it was veering toward the right edge of the runway. I decided to go around and added full power. As I lifted the aircraft off the runway; we departed the right edge of the runway and I saw a runway light in close proximity of the aircraft. I deemed it likely that the wheel or strut may have struck the light; but was concentrating on controlling the aircraft in the low-airspeed go around maneuver. I climbed to pattern altitude; circled the windsock/tetrahedron and decided that runway 21 was still the best option for landing. On the next approach; I added a few knots of airspeed to correct for the gust factor; used a reduced flap setting to reduce the effect of the crosswinds; anticipated the mechanical turbulence/gust effect from the buildings; and performed a 3-point landing to get the tailwheel down sooner to assist in maintaining directional control. This was also a difficult landing that resulted in the use of full left rudder as well as the left brake to keep the airplane from veering off the runway to the right; but after several seconds of swerving; the airplane decelerated to a controllable speed. The second landing was successful. Upon inspection of the runway lights; I had struck one of the lights on the right side of the runway and glass was shattered all over the runway. I did not observe any visible nicks/scratches/damage on the wheels or struts. The front-right passenger said that he believed we struck the light with the right main gear during the go-around maneuver and because I did not see any damage to the strut; I believe the tire struck the light. Contributing factors to this event included: Strong; gusty winds and runway configuration that resulted in crosswind component of 21 kts. Mechanical turbulence/windshear resulting from nearby buildings/trees. Heavy aircraft with aft CG (more lateral momentum to swing left/right on landing). Incorrect pilot technique (slightly delayed and ineffectual rudder inputs to maintain lateral control). High density altitude (higher ground speed upon touchdown that must be dissipated).
Tailwheel pilot reported striking runway edge lights on an approach and landing to AAT airport in gusty crosswind conditions.