Incident Overview
A Cessna 172 was involved in an accident during the landing rollout. According to the pilot, a strong wind gust caused the airplane to balloon back into the air and drift to the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to abort the landing by adding power and applying full left rudder and aileron inputs. However, the airplane subsequently struck the ground, resulting in the nose gear breaking off. The aircraft continued and collided with the airport perimeter fence.
Sequence of Events
The accident occurred after the airplane touched down. During the landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the aircraft back into the air and pushed it to the right. The pilot responded by increasing engine power and using full left rudder and aileron in an effort to correct the trajectory. Despite these inputs, the airplane contacted the ground, causing the nose gear to separate. The aircraft then traveled beyond the runway surface and struck the perimeter fence.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He stated that he had landed with the flaps fully extended. Prior to landing, he had requested advisories on the UNICOM frequency but was unable to understand the response. He also noted that before landing, he overflew the runway and observed the windsock indicating the wind was straight out and parallel to Runway 23.
Background
The Cessna 172 Pilot's Operating Handbook includes guidance that for landings in strong crosswinds, minimum flaps consistent with runway length should be used. The pilot had selected full flaps for the landing.