N8538NPiper PA-28-235 · 1969

The pilot reported that during the approach the airplane was flying “3-5 mph faster than normal” to account for the gusting wind condition. Just prior to the nosewheel touching down, the pilot felt a “strong gust that pulled the nose of the aircraft into the wind.” As the nosewheel touched down, the pilot applied right rudder, and the airplane departed the runway. The airplane impacted a runway sign, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright with a nose down attitude. The two occupants were able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.