What happened
The pilot initiated a local flight under conditions where the wind was reported at 12 knots. Upon returning to the airport for landing, the wind conditions had shifted significantly, blowing from 270 degrees at approximately 30 knots.
During the approach and landing on Runway 18, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway. It came to rest in soft mud adjacent to the paved surface, sustaining damage in the process.
The investigation
The airport facility included an additional runway designated 14/32. This alternative runway was hard-surfaced and measured 3900 feet in length.