What happened
The aircraft was conducting a nighttime approach and landing operation at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. During the final phase of the landing roll, the pilot encountered unfavorable wind conditions characterized by strong gusts. The aircraft drifted off the left side of the runway pavement.
Upon leaving the paved surface, the aircraft struck a drainage ditch located adjacent to the runway. The impact with the ditch caused the nose landing gear to collapse. The accident occurred approximately 50 miles northwest of the Raleigh-Durham airport area, though the specific location within that region was not detailed in the available records.
The investigation
Investigation findings indicate that meteorological data from the vicinity showed wind directions varying between 290 and 320 degrees at speeds of 10 knots, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 knots. These variable and gusty conditions contributed to the loss of directional control during the landing rollout.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident were the encounter with unfavorable winds and the subsequent departure from the runway environment. The structural failure was limited to the nose gear assembly due to the impact with the terrain feature off the runway.