What happened
During the arrival phase of flight, the pilot initiated the traffic pattern for landing on runway 25. The prevailing wind was from 330 degrees at 18 knots, creating a significant crosswind component. Anticipating the need to counteract this drift, the pilot prepared for a standard crosswind technique with the right wing lowered into the wind.
As the aircraft began its final round-out flare, the wind conditions changed abruptly and became calm. The pilot leveled the wings and executed a three-point landing. Immediately after touchdown, the nose of the aircraft began to swing to the right as the crosswind increased in intensity. The pilot applied left rudder to maintain directional control.
At this moment, the right wing lifted rapidly off the ground, causing the left wingtip to strike the runway surface. In response, the pilot applied right rudder and aileron input while adding power to regain control. Despite these corrections, the right wingtip subsequently struck the runway again. The aircraft slid forward a short distance on its nose gear before coming to a complete stop in the center of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of directional control and structural damage. Examination confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage to both wingtips and the nose landing gear due to ground contact during the post-landing slide.