Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that about 15 minutes before he arrived at the destination airport, he checked the airport automated surface observation system (ASOS), which reported variable wind at 3 knots. The radio communications on the airport common traffic advisory frequency indicated that runway 30 was in use; however, as the pilot entered the airport traffic pattern he noticed that pilots were also using runway 12. He elected to make a three-point landing on runway 30. As the airplane decelerated it began to veer right. The pilot tried unsuccessfully to correct the veer with left rudder and brake. The airplane went off the runway, and the left elevator and left aileron were substantially damaged. Although the wind was reported to be variable at 3 knots before the accident, a few minutes after the accident the ASOS reported wind from 160 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 14 knots. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation during the flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that about 15 minutes before arriving at the destination airport he checked the airport automated surface observation system (ASOS), which reported variable wind at 3 knots. The radio communications on the airport common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) indicated that runway 30 was in use. As the pilot entered the airport traffic pattern he noticed that pilots were using both runway 12 and 30. He made a 3 point landing on runway 30. As the airplane decelerated it began to veer right. The pilot corrected with left rudder and brake but the airplane continued to veer to the right. The airplane went off the runway and damaged the left elevator and left aileron. The hour before the accident the airport ASOS reported wind variable at 3 knots. A few minutes after the accident, at 1256, the ASOS reported wind from 160 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 14 knots. The pilot stated that airplane had no pre accident mechanical malfunctions or failures during the flight.