Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a gusty crosswind landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that although the wind was high and forecast for a crosswind, he believed he could complete the flight before the wind changed. He stated that the wind at the destination did change, but he continued the landing. The pilot stated that the landing was successful, but the airplane was hit by several crosswind gusts and the airplane became uncontrollable. The airplane did a 360° turn on the runway and was headed off the left side of the runway before control was regained. The airplane traveled across the grass and came to rest on the west taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Reported wind about the time of the accident was from 270° at 19 kts gusting to 36 kts.