Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he completed the before landing checklist while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern. The approach and landing were completed at a reduced flap setting due to the gusty wind. After the airplane touched down, the pilot “felt a pull to the left,” and he thought that there might have been an issue with the nose wheel steering. The airplane ultimately departed the left side of the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing was damaged during the accident sequence. A postaccident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any anomalies with respect to the nose wheel assembly or the steering linkage. Rudder control continuity was confirmed. Surface weather observations indicated that a 50° - 70° right crosswind with gusts to 30 knots prevailed about the time of the accident.