What happened
During the landing roll on runway 1s6, a Cessna 172M veered off the runway and underwent a ground loop. Prior to the approach, the pilot noted via the automated weather observing system (AWOS) that the direct crosswind velocity was higher than preferred. The pilot circled north of the airport until winds decreased to 19 knots, subsequently performing a go-around to evaluate the wind conditions.
Upon attempting the landing a second time, the pilot utilized a crab technique for the final approach and reported a smooth descent, flare, and touchdown. However, between 500 and 1,000 feet after touchdown, the aircraft began to veer to the right. The pilot was unable to apply sufficient left rudder to counteract the movement. Consequently, the aircraft departed the runway, causing the propeller to strike a taxiway light and the left wing tip to contact the ground. The aircraft came to rest 30 feet beyond the runway edge.
At 1555, the airport AWOS reported winds from 250 degrees at 21 knots, with gusts up to 27 knots. There were no injuries resulting from the incident.
The investigation
The pilot reported that both the engine and the aircraft experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Cessna 172M indicates that while maximum allowable crosswind velocity depends on pilot capability, direct crosswinds of 15 knots can typically be handled safely with average technique.