NTSB Factual Report

On July 1, 2007, about 1823 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N214GZ, veered off the runway and collided with runway lights at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, Santa Barbara, California. Van Nuys Flight Center was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, and one passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Van Nuys, California, about 1700. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

A Santa Barbara Airport Patrol Officer interviewed the pilot after the accident. The pilot stated that prior to landing he requested a wind check; tower personnel reported winds from 150 degrees at 6 knots. He continued his approach and after landing on runway 25, felt a 'burst of wind.' The airplane veered to the left, departed runway 25, traveled over an adjacent grassy area, and crossed runway 15R. He stated that he was not able to correct the airplane back to the runway and struck a taxiway light, then came to rest upright on the grass south of runway 25.

The nose and left landing gear collapsed, and the empennage sustained substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.