Accident Overview
A private pilot was performing a crosswind landing during a local flight. On final approach to runway 27, the airplane encountered "significant southerly winds and gusts," as reported by the pilot. The pilot stated that just prior to touchdown, his "landing control suddenly deteriorated," prompting an attempt to level the airplane before impacting the runway.
Damage and Aircraft Components
During the impact, the nose landing gear separated from the airplane. The separation resulted in substantial damage to the engine firewall.
Weather Conditions
A weather observation taken 6 minutes after the accident recorded wind from 210 degrees at 11 knots. Another observation, completed 31 minutes after the accident, indicated wind from 190 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Pilot Comments
The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had used runway 21, which would have reduced the crosswind component during landing.