Approach and Landing
As the pilot neared the airport, the UNICOM operator reported winds from 270 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. On a left downwind for runway 16, the pilot noted a strong crosswind, requiring significant crab to maintain a ground track parallel to the runway. While turning onto final, the UNICOM operator updated the wind to 10 knots. To stay aligned on final, the pilot crabbed into the wind, then transitioned to a wing-low forward slip on short final.
Ground Roll and Runway Excursion
The touchdown was uneventful. Approximately 50 feet into the ground roll, the aircraft encountered a strong crosswind gust from the right. The pilot could not adequately compensate, causing the right wing to lift and the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft departed the runway and entered a large ditch, striking the far side with sufficient force to cause substantial damage.
Post-Accident Conditions
After the accident, investigation revealed that building weather in the nearby mountains contributed to almost constant changes in wind direction and velocity in the area.