Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing with a gusting crosswind that resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while landing at his destination airport and entering ground effect on final approach, the airplane “was blown left” from the runway centerline and ballooned. The pilot pushed the nose over to keep the airplane from stalling. As the wheels touched down, the airplane veered to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and flap. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 13 with wind 180o at 8 knots, gusting to 14 knots.