What happened
The commercial pilot was operating a single-place Cessna 188 from an unpaved road located near Rapelje, Montana. The flight phase involved a landing intended to reload the aircraft with fertilizer.
During the approach for landing toward the north, the pilot estimated wind conditions from the west at 5 knots, with gusts reaching 12 knots. As the aircraft was on the ground, a sudden gust of wind struck the airframe. The pilot reported that this event caused an immediate loss of directional control.
Consequently, the aircraft departed the roadway to the left side. It then impacted a ditch, resulting in damage to the left main gear and the left wing. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the ground impact. Examination confirmed damage consistent with the pilot's account of departing the road and striking a ditch. The primary mechanical failures were limited to the left main landing gear assembly and the left wing structure.