Flight Details
Two Civil Air Patrol pilots departed on the first leg of a cross-country proficiency flight. The pilot occupied the right front seat, while the second pilot sat in the left front seat. The second piloted the first leg of the trip but transferred control of the airplane to the pilot after losing sight of the airport while in the traffic pattern at the destination airport. The pilot assumed control, exited the pattern, and reestablished a normal right downwind pattern entry. He then transferred control of the airplane back to the second pilot.
Landing and Incident
Upon turning final, the airplane was high. The pilot again took control, flew the approach, and landed on runway 24. When the airplane touched down, it swerved off the right side of the runway and entered a marsh.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported that the crosswind component was more severe than what was reported, with the wind between 45 and 60 degrees off the runway heading. He also stated that he did not correct for the crosswind and that the perspective from flying in the right seat contributed to the accident.
Wind Conditions
Wind reported at an airport 12 miles away was from 220 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots.