20010716019769I

(-23) On Saturday, April 14th, 2001, I rented a plane from westwind. I decided to practice crosswind landings at the Deer vally airport as the wind was 170 at 8. I completed one touch and go using runway 7R. CT called and informed me that wind was 220 at 8, and to turn around for touch and go on runway 25L. I entered ground effect at 60 KIAS and leveled off. I started retarding the throttle and applying back pressure to the wheel. I did not notice any unusual wind factor. The plane slowly settled onto the ground with the main wheels touching first. The plane was centerline and straight. The nose wheel touched the ground, the plane veered approximately 20-30 degrees to the right and the nose continued to rotate downward towards the ground. The propeler of the plane struck the runway and the nose returned back up. The plane was then rolling forward on the right side of the runway. I called CT to inform them of the strike and that I was exiting the C-8 taxiway approximately 40 feet ahead on the left. CT stated they saw the strike and was to contact ground. I contacted ground that they said I could taxi on the ramp and then contact them again in 10 minutes for a report. The plane seemed to taxi well. I taxied to the westwind parking area. Although the parking area was clear, I did not notice a tall light pole in between parking spots and struck the left front wing into the light pole. Upon inspection, the left front wing had a dent, the propeller was bent, and the right wing had a scrape on it. An unknown westwind employee said he saw the incident and said it looked like I "wheelbarrowed" the plane, which generally happens when you land too fast. He said, however, I did not look like I was landing fast. I informed westwind and the control tower and provided them with information. No injuries were sustained.