Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 19; Flight Crew Total 382; Flight Crew Type 382
Human-Machine Interface
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Object; Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Human Factors; Weather
While in final landing phase at ZZZ on Runway XXL; I landed approximately 800 ft. down the runway; past the numbers; a little left of the runway center line. After touching down; a strong crosswind buffeted the aircraft from the right side. This resulted in pushing the aircraft into the grass approximately 5 ft. for about 10 ft. I then returned to the runway. When the left wheel went off the runway; it hit a standing landing light. This resulted in minor aircraft skin damage; which is being repaired. I believe there were several factors that led to this event. As I stated earlier; the strong wind gust was the major factor after touchdown. I am not sure if I also did not hit some wake turbulence as a 737 had landed prior to my arrival at XXL. Finally; I should have; after touchdown; held a more deflected aileron position. I'd take evasive action on touchdown to regain lateral control of the aircraft; and felt that if I was too heavy on the brakes; it would result in the aircraft skidding instead of rolling into the grass.
Small aircraft Pilot reported runway excursion due to inability to maintain directional control on landing.