Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an aborted landing in gusting wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and ballooned above the runway. Just before touchdown, the airplane encountered a second gust of wind and the pilot added engine power to abort the landing. Subsequently, the airplane drifted to the left and touched down on the parallel taxiway, skidded across the taxiway, and then impacted a ditch. The airplane’s engine mount and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.