Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing which resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he lost directional control of the airplane while landing. He said that the airplane exited the side of the runway, and impacted several signs. The nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest in an upright, nose down position. The airplane’s right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot said that prior to touchdown the airplane encountered a gust of wind. He reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
Following a cross-country flight, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane while landing, exited the side of the runway, and impacting several signs. The nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest in an upright; nose down position. The airplane's right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage during the accident. Eight minutes after the accident, the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at the accident airport reported, winds variable at 5 knots. The pilot reported that the winds were variable, but before touchdown a gust of wind impacted the airplane, resulting in a misaligned landing. The pilot further reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident.