Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a gusting crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the airplane was stable during approach when a wind gust caused the airplane to veer left when over the runway. The airplane subsequently flew over the grass area beside the runway and contacted a runway sign, which damaged the right strut and detached its wheel. The pilot aborted the landing, diverted to another airport with a longer runway, and successfully landed the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.