An inexperienced C-172 pilot lost control of his aircraft and ran off the side of the runway; without damage; while landing in a gusty crosswind.

Narrative

This event occurred as I was practicing touch and goes on Runway 8. My first five takeoffs and landings were uneventful and this landing was to be the last one for the day. I was on downwind for Runway 8. Tower advised I was cleared to land following a jet (Challenger) departing from the same runway. I acknowledged clearance to land and advised tower I would extend the downwind to allow for greater spacing. Winds were 120 at 10 KTS; gusting to 18. The final approach was stabilized and I was tracking the centerline using deflections of left rudder and right aileron. I also had added half the wind gust to my airspeed; resulting in a slightly faster than normal approach. Immediately prior to or upon touchdown of the right main; a strong gust caused the plane to turn to the right while lifting it back into the air. Touchdown on this occasion was right to left in quick succession; but with the aircraft in a crab. I applied brakes and attempted to bring aircraft back to the left using strong pressure on left rudder and brake and slightly less on the right brake; but feared a sharp turn at this speed would possibly result in the right wing tipping and a subsequent wing strike. Moreover; I feared that extreme pressure on the brakes would lock the wheels; possibly causing a tire blowout. I was; however; able to slow the aircraft significantly but left the runway on the right side; navigating between runway lights and brought the plane to a controlled stop approximately eight feet onto the grass. At this time I was in contact with the Tower; and the Controller asked if I needed assistance. I advised assistance was not needed. Tower then cleared me to re-enter Runway 8 and taxi to the ramp which I did without incident. There were no injuries or damage to the aircraft. Upon arrival at the FBO I briefed personnel on the incident and a thorough inspection of the aircraft was completed which confirmed there was no damage. The cause of incident was my failure to maintain control on a crosswind landing. In retrospect; I should have better anticipated the gust from the right and used stronger left rudder and right aileron; second; I should have initiated a full power go around immediately at the first indication of wind change.I will complete additional crosswind takeoff and landing training with my instructor.