Accident Overview
A private-rated pilot was the sole occupant of an airplane that sustained substantial damage during a landing attempt. The accident occurred when the airplane collided with terrain while trying to land in crosswind conditions. The right main landing gear collapsed upon impact, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot reported no injuries.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the flight was uneventful until the approach phase. He described his crosswind correction and speed as adequate to maintain runway alignment. However, he reported that a sudden gust of wind pushed the aircraft downward, causing a hard landing that led to the gear collapse.
Weather Conditions
An airport weather observation taken five minutes after the accident recorded wind conditions that were 80 degrees from the runway heading at 20 knots. The airplane's demonstrated crosswind component is 17 knots, indicating the wind exceeded the aircraft's certified crosswind capability.