NTSB Factual Report

On January 13, 2002, at 0915 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N9334H, operated by a private pilot, under the provisions of Title 14 CFR part 91, experienced a wind gust on landing. The personnel flight at Sanford Lee County Airport, Sanford, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot and his passengers did not received any injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Sanford Lee County Airport, inSanford, North Carolina, at 0915.

According to the pilot, he experience a strong crosswind from the right while on approach for runway 21. The pilot stated that he was crabbed about 25 degrees toward the runway, at 85 knots abeam the numbers. The pilot stated that when he turned final he added his third notch of flaps and trimmed the airplane to 70 knots. The pilot stated when he was certain he could make the field he added the last notch of flaps. The pilot stated that when the airplane touched down, the nose of the airplane went to the right. The airplane then started a right skid. The pilot stated that the airplane "tipped to the left" and he lost directional control. The airplane skidded off of the right side of the runway, and collided with a runway sign.

Examination of the airplane revealed, the left main landing gear collapsed.The left stabilizer was damaged and a hole was punctured in the right stabilizer. The examination of the airplane failed to reveal a mechanical problem. According to the pilot, the runway surface was wet from rain the previous night. The reported winds at the time of the accident were 290 degrees at 10 knots with gust to 18 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots failure to maintain directional control during landing roll that resulted in a collision with an airport sign. Factors were wet runway surface and wind gust.