N8401WPiper PA-28-180 · 1965

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that, as he approached runway 27 at the destination airport, he became aware there was an 8-knot surface wind from 180 degrees. The pilot reported that he recognized this was a direct crosswind, but he had dealt with this before. According to the pilot, the airplane's approach from the traffic pattern was stable. When descending over the runway numbers he brought the airplane out of a crab and lowered the left wing in anticipation of touching down first on the upwind wheel. At this time, the airplane began drifting away from the runway. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the flight path, the airplane continued veering away from the runway. The pilot applied full engine power and commenced a go-around, albeit while not flying over the runway. No mechanical malfunction was experienced with the airplane. Prior to gaining altitude, the airplane collided with trees and brush near midfield, but about 360 feet south of the runway's centerline.