Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a gusting crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, a “strong down draft,” which was wind turbulence from a tree line, resulted in a “hard” landing. Then, during the landing roll, another gust of wind lifted the right wing, the left wing struck the ground, and the airplane began to ground loop. The pilot attempted to correct with aileron, rudder, and brake; however, the airplane impacted trees and shrubs about 25 ft from the runway. During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 21, with wind from 300° at 5 knots gusting to 14 knots.