Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during a crosswind landing. Contributing was an unanticipated wind gust.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that as he approached the destination airport, he tuned into the airport’s automated weather observing system and received a report that indicated an 80-degree left crosswind at 12 knots, with no gusts reported. The pilot continued the approach and nearing the airport, the pilot again noted that the wind was reported as an 85-degree left crosswind at at 13 knots. About 300 to 400 ft into the landing roll, the pilot described that the there was a sudden, strong tailwind gust. The airplane then veered sharply to the left, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control despite applying full right rudder. The pilot then attempted to abort the landing, and when the airplane was about 15 feet off the ground, it struck the airport perimeter fence. The airplane’s right wing, fuselage, and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions reported at the airport about 7 minutes after the accident included an 80-degree left crosswind at 10 knots, with gusts to 16 knots.