N8277PPiper PA-24-250 · 1963

The pilot reported that he made the approach at 80 nautical miles per hour (knots) with full flaps, "crabbing into the wind," and during the landing roll a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer left of the runway centerline. The pilot further reported that he attempted to correct back to the centerline with rudder, but ran out of rudder authority. As the airplane veered off the left side of the runway the left wing impacted trees.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported the wind direction as variable, at a speed of 24 knots. The pilot landed runway 18. A weather reporting station 14 miles to the south, at 1353 reported wind 170 true at 17 knots gusting to 26 knots.