Accident Overview
During a landing following a cross-country flight, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The aircraft exited the side of the runway and impacted several signs, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The airplane came to rest in an upright, nose-down position.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft's right wing and fuselage.
Weather Conditions
Eight minutes after the accident, the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at the accident airport reported winds variable at 5 knots.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the winds were variable and that a gust of wind impacted the airplane just before touchdown, resulting in a misaligned landing. The pilot further stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident.