Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while landing on runway 20, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot stated that he attempted to abort the landing by applying power, but the airplane settled into a gully alongside the runway and then hit trees. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane in either his written statement or during the telephone interview. He stated that he was not injured. The nearest airport with recorded weather, about 30 miles southwest, recorded winds at the time of the accident as 200 degrees at 7 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that while landing on runway 20, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot stated that he attempted to abort the landing by applying power, but the airplane settled into a gully alongside the runway and then hit trees. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane in either his written statement or during the telephone interview. He stated that he was not injured. The nearest airport with recorded weather, about 30 miles southwest, recorded winds at the time of the accident as 200 degrees at 7 knots.