Airplane Veers Off Runway and Strikes Sign During Landing Roll (N767GS)

Introduction

A pilot reported an incident during the landing roll on runway 9R at an airport. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway and struck a runway distance remaining sign. The pilot had made an uneventful tail wheel landing on runway 9R.

Sequence of Events

The UNICOM airport advisory reported winds as 120 degrees, variable 10 to 15 knots with gusts. The pilot visually checked the windsock and noted it indicating southeasterly. As the airplane's speed reached 45 knots during the landing roll, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. Despite applying left rudder, left brake, and left aileron inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and subsequently exited the runway. The impact with the sign occurred after the airplane departed the paved surface.