Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was flying a visual approach and landing when he felt a burst of wind, which pushed the tail to the left. The pilot compensated with left brake and left rudder, but did not prevent the airplane from exiting the runway. The pilot applied both brakes to slow the airplane and the airplane pulled to the right into a ditch, damaging the airplane frame near the firewall.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot flew a visual approach and landing. During landing the pilot felt a burst of wind, which pushed the tail to the left. The pilot compensated with left brake and left rudder, but did not prevent the airplane from exiting the runway. The pilot applied both brakes to slow the airplane and the airplane pulled to the right into a ditch, damaging the airplane frame near the firewall.