Incident Overview
The pilot of the accident airplane reported conducting an approach at 80 knots with full flaps while crabbing into the wind. During the landing roll, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer left of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to correct back to the centerline using rudder input, but reported running out of rudder authority. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, and the left wing impacted trees.
Damage
The incident resulted in substantial damage to both wings of the airplane.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Information
The pilot reported the wind direction as variable, at a speed of 24 knots. The pilot landed on runway 18. A weather reporting station located 14 miles to the south, at 1353, reported wind from 170 true at 17 knots with gusts to 26 knots.