Accident
An airplane collided with a taxiway sign during the landing roll. The pilot reported that after a local flight, he entered a left downwind for runway 23L. The tower reported winds from 150 degrees at 12 knots. On final approach, the pilot established a left crab to stay aligned with the runway centerline. During the flare, he applied right rudder and left aileron. The pilot stated that he touched down on the centerline, but the airplane began drifting to the right as the nose wheel made contact. He then applied full left aileron into the crosswind and increased left rudder to steer back to the centerline. Despite maximum left rudder input, the airplane continued turning right, exited the runway, and struck a taxiway sign.
Investigation
Airport personnel reported that the airplane veered off the right side of runway 23L, where it contacted the Taxiway Fox sign. The sign was knocked off its mount and came to rest 16 feet away. The airplane stopped 200 feet from the runway edge. An inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration of the airplane's brakes, rudder, and steering systems revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. However, a mechanic who examined the airplane reported excessive play in the nose wheel steering system.