Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with vegetation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, upon landing, the airplane veered sharply left and departed the runway onto adjacent grass. The pilot applied full power to go around; however, the airplane continued to veer left and impacted vegetation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, firewall, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, upon landing, the airplane veered sharply to the left and departed the runway onto the adjacent grass. The pilot applied full power to go around; however the airplane continued to veer left and impacted vegetation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, firewall, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station about 10 miles east of the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 330° at 14 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 3.