SEA96LA180

Because runway 32 was closed for paving, the pilot elected to land on Runway 25. At the time of his landing, the winds were gusting to over 20 knots, and blowing about 60 degrees from the runway heading. Just as the aircraft touched down, it encountered a strong gust and began drifting toward the side of the runway. As it departed the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around, but the aircraft continued to drift. As he attempted to gain altitude and bring the aircraft back toward the runway, it collided with a distance-remaining sign and slid to a stop.

On August 5, 1996, approximately 1730 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5A, N26414, being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with a runway distance-to-go marker during an attempted go-around at the Klamath Falls International airport, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Ontario, Oregon, approximately 1415.

The pilot reported that runway 32/14 was closed for construction, and that he was cleared to land on runway 25, which is 5,258 feet in length. Winds at the time of his attempted landing were gusting to over 20 knots, and were blowing about 60 degrees from the runway heading. Immediately after the main wheels touched down, the aircraft was hit by a strong crosswind gust, and as its right wing lifted up, the aircraft began to veer left. As the aircraft began to leave the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the right wing of the aircraft collided with a distance-to-go marker along runway 32/14. The aircraft then slid to a stop. The pilot reported no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft.