Incident Details
The pilot of a single-engine aircraft reported that during the approach to landing, he requested an airport advisory but was only provided with the suggested runway. He observed that the wind direction was nearly the same as that of Runway 35, as indicated by a nearby dike. On short final, the pilot noted the windsock, which was fully extended and indicating wind from the right. He was unaware of the exact wind strength at that time.
Landing Maneuver
As the aircraft neared touchdown, the pilot realized the wind was too strong. He applied full power, engaged carburetor heat, and retracted one notch of flaps. The approach was conducted with the right wing low and significant rudder input. The aircraft touched down on the right wheel first, but the right wing subsequently lifted. The left wheel then contacted the runway, followed by the left wing scraping the pavement. The aircraft's heading deviated approximately 15 degrees to the left of the runway centerline.
Outcome
The side loads from the uneven touchdown caused the right wheel to strike the ground hard, resulting in the right wheel folding under the left side of the airframe. The airplane slid to a stop on a heading 15 degrees left of the runway heading. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft.
Weather Conditions
According to weather records from West Palm Beach, Florida, located about 34 nautical miles east of Pahokee, winds around the time of the accident were from 090 degrees at 13 knots, with gusts to 18 knots.