Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions while landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said that he was landing on runway 25 and that during the landing flare he experienced wind gusts from multiple directions. The tower controller said the airplane landed in the dirt next to the runway. The airplane's nose landing gear failed and the airplane nosed down onto its spinner and right wing tip, coming to rest upright. The right wing tip's outer two feet were bent up and wrinkled. Additionally, the propeller's spinner was crushed and both blades were bent aft. The pilot reported the wind from 240 degrees at 14 knots, while the airport's Automated Surface Observing System reported the wind from 210 degrees at 22 knots, gusting to 31 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot said he was landing on runway 25, and in the landing flare, he experienced wind gusts from multiple directions. The tower controller said the airplane landed in the dirt next to the runway. The airplane's nose landing gear failed and the airplane nosed down onto its spinner and right wing tip, and came to rest upright. The right wing tip's outer 2 feet were bent up and wrinkled. Additionally, the propeller's spinner was crushed and both blades were bent aft. The pilot reported the wind from 240 degrees at 14 knots, while the airport's Automated Surface Observing System reported the wind from 210 degrees at 22 knots, gusting to 31 knots.