Incident Overview
A pilot conducting an aerial observation flight to survey pipelines landed at a planned airport to refuel. The flight was uneventful until the landing phase, when the pilot encountered unexpected crosswind conditions.
Weather and Approach
Before the approach, the pilot checked a weather reporting facility approximately 33 miles to the southwest. The facility reported wind from 270 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot prepared for a crosswind landing on a runway with a bearing of 350 degrees. On final approach, the windsock appeared to be extended at a 45-degree angle to the runway. The pilot executed the approach with the upwind wing down and a slightly increased airspeed to compensate for the crosswind.
Landing and Ground Loop
After both main wheels touched down, the pilot felt the upwind wing lift despite applying full left aileron and opposite rudder. He also noted that the right wheel brake felt spongy. As the wing lifted, the airplane began to ground loop to the left. The pilot considered initiating a go-around but deemed it too late. The airplane skidded off the runway and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings.
Post-Accident Observations
After exiting the airplane, the pilot noticed that the windsock was fully extended perpendicular to the runway, indicating a stronger crosswind than the distant weather report suggested. The pilot, who described himself as very experienced in crosswind landings, stated that he should not have relied on the distant weather report. He believed that a full pattern approach would have allowed him to better assess the local wind conditions. He further stated that if he had known the actual crosswind strength, he would not have attempted the landing at that airport.