Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a strong, gusting crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the approach to the runway, he listened to the automatic terminal information service, which noted that the wind was from 270 degrees at 16 knots and gusting to 26 knots. The pilot chose to continue the approach and, during the landing flare, a gust of wind forced the airplane left and down. The left wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest upright in a grassy area off the left side of the runway. The impact resulted in damage to the left wing, right flap, undercarriage, propeller, and firewall. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He had accumulated a total flight experience of 84 hours of which 12 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during approach to runway 22, he listened to the automatic terminal information service, which noted the wind from 270 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The pilot elected to continue the approach and during the landing flare, a gust of wind forced the airplane left and down, off the left side of the runway. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane came to rest upright in a grassy area off the left side of the runway. The impact resulted in damage to the left wing, right flap, undercarriage, propeller and firewall. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He had accumulated a total flight experience of 84 hours; of which, 12 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.