Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, after landing he applied aileron input to compensate for the wind. During the landing roll, the airplane suddenly made a 90-degree turn and the pilot was not able to regain control of the airplane. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that it struck a runway sign and light, damaging the left elevator.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, while in the traffic pattern he heard another pilot request a wind check and the control tower responded 190 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot reported that the airplane landed on all three landing gear and he input aileron for wind correction. On the landing roll out, the airplane suddenly made a 90-degree turn and the pilot stated that he was not able to regain control of the airplane. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors responded to the site and reported that the airplane hit a runway sign and light damaging the left elevator.