What happened
During the final phase of a landing operation, the airplane encountered a sudden wind gust while dealing with crosswind conditions. This aerodynamic disturbance caused the aircraft to deviate significantly to the left of the runway centerline. The plane exited the paved surface and subsequently collided with a nearby embankment.
Regarding the flight crew's account, the pilot reported that he had no recollection of events occurring after he initiated the landing flare. This gap in memory suggests a possible loss of consciousness or severe disorientation during the critical moments before impact.
The investigation
A thorough physical examination of the airplane was conducted to determine if mechanical issues contributed to the incident. Investigators found no evidence of preexisting failures or malfunctions within the aircraft systems that could have caused the accident. The lack of mechanical defects points toward environmental factors and pilot control as the primary elements.
Findings
The primary factor in this event was the crosswind condition combined with a sudden wind gust. These weather elements overwhelmed the pilot's ability to maintain directional control during the landing flare. The resulting loss of control led to the runway excursion and subsequent collision with terrain.