Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for winds during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot explained that he was landing with a gusting 70° left crosswind and felt the windspeed and gust spread were within his capabilities. During rollout, the wind pushed the tail to the airplane’s right, the nose to the left, and the pilot was “hesitant to give the airplane more right rudder” to maintain directional control before it departed the left side of the runway. Following the runway excursion, the nose landing gear dug into the turf surface, bent the nose gear aft, and bent the engine mount, which substantially damaged the airplane. The pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.