Incident Details
The aircraft collided with trees during the landing rollout. According to the pilot, the wind was from the south at about 20 knots. While flaring for landing on runway 15, a strong gust estimated at 40 knots was encountered, causing the aircraft to drift off the runway, which is 40 feet wide. The pilot reported that the aircraft touched down in the rough terrain and rolled straight ahead, approximately 10 feet to the side of the runway. Just before the aircraft came to a complete stop, it collided with two trees.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the wind was southerly at about 20 knots and that a strong gust of about 40 knots was encountered during the flare. The pilot also noted that after drifting off the runway, the aircraft touched down in the rough, rolled about 10 feet alongside the runway, and then struck two trees. The pilot did not provide any additional information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other conditions.
Event Sequence
The sequence of events began with the aircraft on approach to runway 15. During the flare, the gust caused a loss of directional control, and the aircraft departed the paved surface. The landing rollout continued on uneven ground, with the aircraft tracking parallel to the runway until it hit the trees. The entire event occurred after touchdown, with the aircraft still moving at relatively low speed.