Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control during the landing with gusty wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After a stable approach, in 20-30 knot headwinds, the airplane touched down smoothly on the centerline of runway 18. The pilot reported that almost immediately, the airplane turned to the left. The pilot attempted full right rudder and moderate braking, but he could not arrest the turn. The airplane went onto the grass perpendicular to the runway and down a drainage embankment, resulting in substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot suspected a problem with the left brake. Examination of the brake system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. At the time of the accident, the pilot landed the airplane on runway 18 with wind from 190° at 20 knots with gusts to 29 knots.