Incident Overview
The pilot stated that after landing on runway 15, during the landing roll out, a gust of wind caused the left wing to rise. He applied left aileron but received no response. The airplane began turning to the right, and he lost directional control. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway.
Witness Account
A witness reported hearing the pilot call on UNICOM and observed the airplane on final approach. The witness then heard an increase in engine power and looked up to see the airplane about 2 feet above the runway. The airplane rose to less than ten feet, appearing to bank and yaw out of control.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting facility, 11 nautical miles southeast of the site, reported wind at 150 degrees and 8 knots. No gusting winds were reported at the time of the accident.
Damage Assessment
The Chief Pilot of the local Sheriff's Department responded to the scene. The airplane was upright and on fire. The left main landing gear and empennage had separated, the engine compartment was on the runway, and the nose landing gear was bent to the right.
Runway Evidence
Examination of the runway revealed the airplane touched down 214 feet from the displaced threshold and bounced. A tire mark and two white paint transfer marks (3 to 6 inches long) were present. The airplane touched down again at 559 feet left of centerline, with another paint transfer mark (1-2 inches in diameter) curving right. At 918 feet, white paint transfer marks (36 feet long) formed a left arc. Additional tire marks in a left arc at 1,011 and 1,057.8 feet. A white paint transfer mark (12-18 inches) at 1,170 feet on the left edge. The airplane departed the left side at 1,302 feet. A narrow line in the grass extended 174 feet in an arc towards a berm and back, with propeller ground strike scars. The airplane turned right and came to rest at 1,585 feet.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe, flight controls, propeller assembly, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no anomalies.