Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with gusty wind which exceeded the maximum crosswind of the airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that about 30 minutes before arrival, the crew obtained weather information which showed a left crosswind component of 25 knots (kts) for runway 26. When they flew closer to the airport, the crew requested current wind from air traffic control and determined the crosswind component to be about 17 kts. On landing, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane as it weather-vaned. Despite the use of full right rudder, the pilot could not regain control of the airplane. As the wind subsided, the pilot corrected the airplane back to the runway centerline when another gust of wind pushed the airplane off the right side of the runway. During the runway excursion, the right wing collided with a runway light which resulted in substantial damage to the forward spar lower flange. The airplane was limited to a maximum crosswind of 20 kts. Several minutes after the airplane landed, the automated weather reporting station recorded wind from 190° at 16 kts with gusts to 27 kts.