Introduction
A single-engine airplane sustained substantial damage when it ran off the runway while landing. The incident occurred after the pilot encountered challenging wind conditions during the flight.
Sequence of Events
Prior to departure, the automated surface observing system (ASOS) at the airport reported winds from 270 degrees magnetic at 9 knots. The pilot confirmed receiving this report before takeoff. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, while on the downwind leg, the pilot reported encountering "extreme vertical turbulence." At 1755 central daylight time, the ASOS indicated winds from 320 degrees at 23 knots, gusting to 38 knots.
The pilot landed on runway 18. During the landing roll, the pilot reported difficulty braking and subsequently veered the aircraft off the right edge of the runway, approximately 300 feet from the runway's end. The pilot stated that the decision to steer off the runway was made because he approximated that the aircraft would collide with the approach lighting system located 400 feet from the end of the runway.
Damage
After exiting the runway, the aircraft slid sideways. As a result, the nose landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck the terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot reported realizing that other options—such as continuing to another airport or landing on runway 36—might have prevented the accident. No further analysis or conclusions are provided in the source.