Flight Details
The pilot of the airplane did not obtain any preflight weather briefing for the intended local flight. At departure, the wind was reported as 270 degrees at 9 knots. After approximately 1 hour 15 minutes of flight, the wind increased to 270 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 28 knots. The pilot then decided to return to the departure airport and selected to land on the grass runway designated 28.
Approach and Landing
The pilot executed a normal traffic pattern. On final approach, the airplane was configured with 20 degrees of flaps and maintained a speed of 70 miles per hour. During the roundout, a wind gust occurred, raising the left wing. The pilot immediately applied left aileron and right rudder inputs, successfully leveling the wings. However, at that time, the airplane had drifted to the left.
Damage
The left main landing gear entered a ditch adjacent to the runway. The left wingtip sustained substantial damage when it came into contact with corn crop near the runway. The pilot stated that there was no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the airplane or its systems.