VAN DUSEN JOHN M LONGEZE

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after about a 5.5 hour flight with one refueling stop, he was making a “crab type” approach to runway 32, due to the considerable crosswinds at his destination airport. He added that he still experienced some side drift to the right and that attempts to correct back to centerline resulted in a small bounce and “considerable wing rock”. He also added that he lost control at the edge of the runway and elected not to try a go-around and make the situation worse. The airplane exited the right side of the runway, impacted a ditch, and collapsed the landing gear before sliding to a stop in the upright position. On the NTSB form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident could have been avoided by practicing/developing landing skills, a more visible wind sock, the airplane’s combination brake and rudder controls, and elimination of the ditch. The automated weather station at LVJ reported at 1853, winds from 180 degrees at 10 knots, temperature 72 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 60 degrees Fahrenheit, 10 miles visibility, a clear sky, altimeter pressure setting 29.84 inches of Mercury.