Accident Summary
The pilot of the airplane reported encountering a 40-degree crosswind at 12 to 14 knots while landing on runway 17. According to the pilot, the wind caused the airplane to veer toward the left side of the runway. In response, the pilot applied full right rudder and right brake. Despite these actions, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and subsequently impacted a tree. The collision resulted in buckling of the bottom fuselage and collapse of the landing gear.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the airplane exhibited no anomalies prior to the accident. In a written statement, the pilot expressed suspicion that the right nose gear steering had failed. The pilot also noted that trees were located within 40 to 50 feet of the runway edge. These remarks were the pilot's personal observations and not necessarily indicative of the cause.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the airplane was performed. Control continuity was confirmed to all flight control surfaces. The nose gear was observed to rotate through an estimated 60-degree steering arc when the rudder pedals were moved. The Type Certificate Data Sheet, A7SO, specifies that the nose gear rotation should be left 27 degrees and right 27 degrees (each with a tolerance of ±1 degree). The examination did not reveal any mechanical discrepancies that would have prevented normal steering or control operation.
No further information was provided regarding the airplane type, registration, operator, location, date, or occupants.