WPR11CA328

The pilot stated that he and a pilot-rated passenger had planned to practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on runway 6, but the other airplanes in the traffic pattern were using runway 24. He said this was his first landing, and he was set up to land with a 3-4 knot left, quartering tailwind. He said the touchdown was smooth; however, shortly thereafter the airplane veered to the right and exited the runway. He said that his efforts to regain directional control by adding power were unsuccessful, and the airplane impacted an airport perimeter fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and front fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot stated he was trading off making touch and go's with a passenger, who was a rated pilot. The passenger had just completed her last take off and landing and the pilot assumed control of the airplane and took off. After completing a pattern the pilot set up a landing for runway 24, which at the time, set him up to land with a slight 3-4 knot left quartering tail wind. The pilot made a three point landing on the runway and, although the touchdown was smooth, the airplane felt light on the wheels. Moments later the airplane veered to the right and veered off the runway. The pilot added power but was unable to regain control of the airplane before it impacted an airport perimeter fence, which substantially damaged the airplane's wings and front fuselage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. In an initial report to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) both pilots on board reported the airplane was struck by a gust of wind before the loss of control. Examination of the winds an hour before and after the accident found there were no reports of gusty conditions at the accident airport or reporting stations in the area.