Incident Overview
According to the official investigation source, before landing, flight service advised the pilot that the wind was from 220 degrees. While on approach to Runway 20, the pilot encountered severe buffeting. After touching down in a crosswind condition, the aircraft rolled approximately 300 feet before encountering a gust of wind and drifting off the runway.
Pilot Actions and Outcome
The pilot elected to 'go with the wind and use the grass beside the runway to stop.' After decelerating on the grass to approximately 30 mph, another gust was encountered, and the aircraft drifted further left, hitting a mound of dirt.
Post-Accident Wind Reports
After the accident, the pilot reported that the wind was from 270 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots. Approximately 9 miles west-southwest at the Midland Regional Airport, the 1552 CST wind was from 250 degrees at 24 knots, gusting to 33 knots. According to the source, the pilot could have landed on a more favorable runway (Runway 29).
Conclusion
The incident involved a landing crosswind on Runway 20, a runway excursion onto the grass, and a collision with a dirt mound. The decision to land on Runway 20 versus the more favorable Runway 29 was noted.