LAX04CA307

The pilot encountered a gusty crosswind and lost directional control of the airplane during landing rollout on runway 36. Thereafter, the airplane veered off the runway and impacted a berm. Previously, the pilot had performed one touch-and-go landing on the runway without mishap. The pilot was cognizant of the fact that the wind was from 270 degrees at 6 knots. As planned, during the landing the airplane's upwind wheel contacted the runway first, and the pilot continued applying crosswind correction to the airplane's controls during rollout. However, a wind gust was encountered and the airplane swerved left. The pilot applied engine power in an effort at regaining control, but his effort was inadequate. The pilot indicated that no mechanical malfunctions were experienced with his airplane during the flight. Runway 36 is 5,992 feet long and 100 feet wide.

On August 29, 2004, about 1600 mountain standard time, a Champion 7ECA, N2583F, veered off runway 36 and impacted a berm during landing rollout at the H. A. Clark Memorial Field, Williams, Arizona. The commercial pilot owned and operated the airplane, and he was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Williams about 1550.

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that the accident occurred during his second landing at the airport. At the time, he was practicing for his upcoming flight review. The pilot's first touch-and-go landing on runway 36 was accomplished without mishap. During the second landing the pilot was cognizant of the fact that the wind was from 270 degrees, about 6 knots. The pilot reported that, as planned, during the landing the airplane's upwind wheel contacted the runway first, and he continued applying crosswind correction during rollout. However, a wind gust was suddenly encountered and the airplane swerved left.

The pilot further reported that he applied engine power in an effort at regaining control, but he was not successful. The airplane veered farther left, and it rolled off the left side of the runway. Thereafter, it impacted a berm and a boulder, which resulted in the left main landing gear separating from the fuselage. The left wing broke when it contacted the ground. The pilot did not indicate that during the mishap he had experienced any mechanical malfunctions with his airplane.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration's "Airport/Facility Directory," runway 36 is 5,992 feet long. It is 100 feet wide and has an asphalt surface.