LSA Instructor pilot reports loss of control during landing by the pilot flying; resulting in a runway excursion and gear collapse. The Reporter believes that an improper crosswind correction and the decision not to go-around were factors in the incident.

Narrative

I was riding with Mr. X in his Light Sport Aircraft. The winds at the time were 12 KTS with gusts coming out of the northwest. He was PIC with a decent amount of flight time in the plane. The runway we were landing on was 36; which was grass. He was piloting his aircraft and we were on final approach. Everything was looking great until right before touchdown. We were about to touch down and a gust of wind took us to the right side of the runway. He tried to add power; but it was too late. The aircraft ended up hitting a cone on the right side of the runway. The aircraft hit the cone with the left landing gear. He then decided not to do a go around but a forced landing on the right side of the runway landing in grass. The aircraft hit a second cone again on the left landing gear and the bottom nose of the plane. The plane proceeded to the right of the runway landing on the grass. The gear was damaged and collapsed on touchdown. Once stopped we turned off the fuel; mixture; and master. We proceeded to evacuate the aircraft in case of fire. After securing the plane we phoned the FSDO to report the incident. We also called the police to let them know what had happened. There were no injuries. I believe the cause of the accident was mis correction for crosswind. Power was not added when it needed to be. I believe if a go around was initiated sooner the incident would have never happened.