Incident Overview
A newly certificated private pilot encountered strong, gusty southeast surface winds upon arriving at his destination airport. The pilot initially attempted to land downwind on Runway 31. Unable to complete the landing, he returned and attempted to land on Runway 19. During the rollout after touchdown, directional control was lost, and the aircraft veered off the runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with a ditch, resulting in injuries to the pilot and passenger and substantial damage to the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
The pilot, who had recently obtained his private pilot certificate, arrived at the airport where surface winds were reported as strong and gusty from the southeast. Despite the wind conditions, he attempted to land on Runway 31, which would have been a downwind landing. The approach was unsuccessful, and the pilot went around for another attempt. He then chose to land on Runway 19. However, after touchdown, the pilot lost directional control during the rollout. The aircraft departed the runway and struck a ditch, causing injuries to both occupants and significant structural damage.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision with the ditch. The pilot and one passenger were injured in the accident. No other injuries were reported.
Investigation
The accident investigation focused on the sequence of events surrounding the landing attempt. The pilot's decision to attempt a downwind landing in strong, gusty winds and the subsequent loss of directional control were documented as part of the factual findings. No probable cause was stated in the report.