Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions which resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after an uneventful landing, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane off the runway surface. The airplane went across the grass and struck a precision approach path indicator light (PAPI). The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 18 with wind 250o at 14 knots with gusts to 20 knots.