Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in gusting crosswinds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane encountered a gust of wind from the south/southeast while landing on Runway 12. The left wing struck the runway and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway where the right wing struck the ground and the airplane came to rest. The pilot reported that the automated weather reporting system reported winds from 150 degrees at 12 knots. Approximately 1 hour prior to the accident, the closest weather reporting station, located about 45 miles northwest of the accident airport, reported winds from 160 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 25 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The airplane encountered a gust of wind from the south/southeast while landing on runway 12. The left wing struck the runway and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway where the right wing struck the ground and the airplane came to rest. The pilot reported the automated weather reporting system (AWOS) was reporting winds from 150 degrees at 12 knots. Approximately 1 hour prior to the accident, the closest weather reporting station located about 45 miles northwest of the accident airport was reporting winds from 160 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 25 knots.