What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was executing a landing approach on runway 16. As the airplane touched down or was in the final stages of the flare, the pilot experienced a sudden and forceful gust of wind that pushed the aircraft toward the right side of the runway. In response to this loss of lateral control, the pilot applied engine power in an effort to abort the landing and climb away from the surface.
Despite the application of power, the aircraft continued its trajectory off the paved surface. It impacted a drainage ditch located approximately 40 feet to the right of the runway centerline. The airplane came to rest in an upright position following the impact with the terrain.
The investigation
Post-accident data provided by the pilot indicated that weather conditions were a significant factor in the event. The pilot reported wind from 190 degrees at 18 knots, with gusts reaching up to 24 knots. These conditions suggest turbulent airflow that may have exceeded the aircraft's ability to maintain lateral alignment during the critical landing phase.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this incident were the strong crosswind gusts and the pilot's decision to continue the landing in deteriorating wind conditions. The application of power was an appropriate reaction to the loss of control, but the aircraft was unable to recover before impacting the drainage ditch.