Accident Overview
An airplane struck a runway light and subsequently impacted terrain during an aborted landing on runway 04 at Iowa County Airport (MRJ), Mineral Point, Wisconsin. The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-161.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported entering a left base for runway 04 and touching down at the runway threshold with flaps fully extended. He described the aircraft's attitude during landing as having the left wing low with application of right rudder. The wind then gusted and raised the left wing, after which the aircraft departed the runway to the right. The pilot added power in an attempt to abort the landing.
Airport Manager's Account
The airport manager stated that the automatic weather observing system (AWOS) at the time reported winds at 25 knots gusting to 28–30 knots from 300–310 degrees. Upon touchdown, the left wing appeared to lift, and the aircraft veered to the right, striking a runway light with the right wing. The manager added that the pilot attempted a go-around but could not gain much altitude; the plane then veered east and went down in an open field.
Crosswind Limitation
The maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the PA-28-161 is 17 knots.