Landing Conditions
After returning to the airport, the pilot executed a landing on runway 30. The wind was from the right at about 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots. The runway surface was grass, approximately 1 foot tall, and the landing area sloped downward to the west.
Sequence of Events
Following touchdown, the pilot maintained directional control of the aircraft until it decelerated to about 20 knots. At that point, the pilot realized that he could not keep the aircraft on the runway despite applying full right aileron deflection into the wind. He elected to allow the aircraft to drift off the left side of the runway into a smooth wheat field.
Damage
As the aircraft left the runway, the left main landing gear dropped into a hole and failed. The subsequent damage included the nosewheel, left wing, and propeller.
Crosswind Capability
The maximum demonstrated crosswind capability for the aircraft was 18 knots.