Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The piloted reported while practicing takeoffs and landings, on her third approach to land, the air traffic control tower reported an 8-knot crosswind. During touchdown, she reported that the airplane bounced several times and subsequently during the landing roll, the wind shifted, and the airplane pulled to the left. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control, but the airplane continued its path to the left and departed the runway into the grass. Upon exiting the runway, the airplane struck a runway distance remaining sign, which substantially damaged the left wing and collapsed the left main landing gear. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.