Flight History
A pilot was conducting a cross-country flight. While approaching the destination, the pilot tuned into the automated weather report a few miles west of the airport. The report indicated crosswinds at 17 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
Weather Conditions
The reported wind conditions included a steady crosswind of 17 knots with gusts up to 20 knots. No other weather information was noted.
Accident Sequence
The pilot continued the approach and landing. The touchdown was described as "uneventful." During the landing roll, a gust of wind rotated the nose of the airplane 90 degrees into the crosswind. The airplane subsequently departed the runway surface and impacted a ditch adjacent to the runway.
Aircraft Damage
The impact with the ditch caused the nose wheel to collapse. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.