Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate crosswind correction, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and runway excursion into a berm.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was landing with a gusting, quartering crosswind. While on the final leg of the landing pattern, he noted that the airplane was high, but it then touched down beyond the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights and remained aligned with the runway centerline. During the landing roll, the left wing lifted and the airplane started to turn to the right. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane departed the runway surface and struck a berm, substantially damaging the left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
While landing in gusting wind conditions with a quartering crosswind, the pilot reported that on short final, he noted that he was high, but the airplane touched down beyond the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights and he stayed aligned with the runway centerline. During the landing roll, the left wing lifted and the airplane started to turn to the right. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control before the airplane departed the runway surface and struck a berm, substantially damaging the left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.