NTSB Factual Report

The airplane was substantially damaged when the pilot lost control during landing on runway 17 (4,200 feet by 75 feet, concrete) and the landing gear collapsed. The pilot stated that upon return from a local flight he noticed that the prevailing east wind had increased and he selected runway 17 for landing. He reported the airplane touched down, however, it lifted off again. He stated: "When it came down the second time [it] wasn't in line with the runway because of the strong east wind." He applied full rudder and subsequently right brake but was unable to regain control. He reported that application of the brake may have been excessive. The landing gear collapsed substantially damaging the airframe. The pilot noted: "The 20 -25 mph wind from the east was too much for me that day." The pilot reported winds from 090 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots, at the time of the accident. Weather conditions were not recorded at the accident airport. At 1330, wind conditions recorded at a nearby airport located 11 miles southeast of the accident airport, were from 100 degrees at 8 knots. At 1350, recorded winds were from 120 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the aircraft prior to the accident. Federal Aviation Administration records indicated that the pilot had been denied an airman medical certificate in September 1990. His commercial pilot certificate had subsequently been revoked due to operating an aircraft without a valid medical certificate.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the gusting crosswind condition.