Flight and Weather Conditions
A noninstrument-rated private pilot departed from Las Vegas, Nevada, for a cross-country flight to his home airport. After receiving a weather briefing, he altered his planned route due to deteriorating conditions and made an interim stop at Yellowstone Airport in Montana. Prior to continuing, he contacted another airport along the route and was informed that weather conditions were favorable.
Encounter with Gusty Winds
Departing from Yellowstone Airport, the pilot flew to the next airport on his itinerary, where he encountered strong gusty winds. He determined that a landing at that airport was not possible, and that returning to Yellowstone was also not feasible due to continuing gusty winds. With approximately 45 minutes of fuel remaining, he decided to land into the wind on a road.
Loss of Control During Landing
During the landing rollout on the road, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind. The pilot could not maintain directional control, and the airplane veered off the edge of the road and into a ditch.