Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusty crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll the airplane was struck by a gust of wind, which he described as "pretty strong." The airport manager reported to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector that the winds at the time of the accident were a direct crosswind at around 40 knots. The airplane departed the side of the runway into a grassy area. As the pilot was correcting back to the runway, the nose landing gear hit a depression and sheared off, and the propeller struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. In a phone conversation, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane before the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll the airplane was struck by a gust of wind, which he described as "pretty strong." The airport manager reported to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector that the winds at the time of the accident were a direct crosswind at around 40 knots. The airplane departed the side of the runway into a grassy area. As the pilot was correcting back to the runway, the nose landing gear hit a depression and sheared off, and the propeller struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. In a phone conversation, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane before the accident.