What happened
During the landing phase on runway 17, the pilot encountered a 40-degree crosswind with speeds ranging from 12 to 14 knots. This wind caused the aircraft to drift toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to correct the course, the pilot applied full right rudder and right brake. Despite these inputs, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and impacted a tree. The collision caused the landing gear to collapse and the bottom of the fuselage to buckle. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies prior to the accident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's control systems and found continuity to all flight control surfaces. The nose gear was observed to rotate within an estimated 60-degree steering arc when the rudder pedals were manipulated. This movement was compared against the Type Certificate Data Sheet, A7SO, which specifies a nose gear rotation limit of 27 degrees left and 27 degrees right (+/- 1 degree).