Accident Details
The pilot reported that during a landing attempt on a wet, grass surface, the airplane unexpectedly turned to the right. Subsequently, the aircraft departed the runway and struck a drainage ditch that contained water. Following the impact, the airplane came to rest in an inverted position.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and left wing. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.
Weather and Runway Conditions
The pilot indicated that the wind was from 100° at 15 to 17 knots with gusts. An automated weather observation station located 5 nautical miles northeast of the airport reported that, around the time of the accident, wind was from 090° at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane was landing on Runway 02.
The airplane owner's manual includes a statement: "The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability rather than airplane limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 MPH can be handled with safety."