NTSB Factual Report

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he performed a landing approach to runway 9 at Pine Mountain Lake Airport. During the landing flare, a wind gust blew the airplane off the runway centerline flight path. The airspeed was too low to perform a go-around, so he attempted to regain the runway centerline. The airplane touched down while moving laterally, and the landing gear became side loaded and collapsed. The airplane exited the runway and stopped. The wings sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported gusts of 10 knots at the accident site. The pilot indicated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions and failure to maintain proper alignment at touchdown resulting in a side load on the landing gear, which caused them to collapse.