Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that as he neared the runway for touchdown, the airplane experienced a left-quartering crosswind that pushed him off the runway. He added that since the wheels had not touched the runway, he added power for a go-around. However, the airplane continued off the right side of the runway and the right main landing gear impacted an airport sign. The airplane subsequently came to rest in an upright position, just off the runway surface. An examination of the airplane by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane’s fuselage right main gearbox and firewall structures were buckled.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that as he neared the runway for touchdown, the airplane experienced a left-quartering crosswind that pushed him off the runway. Since the wheels had not touched the runway, he added power for a go-around. The airplane continued off the right side of the runway and the right main landing gear impacted an airport sign. The airplane subsequently came to rest in the upright position, just off the runway surface. An examination of the airplane by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane’s fuselage, right main gearbox, and firewall structures were buckled.