PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 98; Flight Crew Type 17
Training / Qualification
Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Weather
I was practicing pattern work when I made my 3rd out of 3 approaches.  The first approach was a touch n go; the second was a practice go around; and the 3rd was a normal approach. As I recall the wind was from 230 @ 10 knots.  My set up for approach was good with no issues descending at approximately 300 feet per minute; then reducing down to 50 feet per minute; on final approach; with an approach speed of 80-85 mph indicated.  I added my 3rd and final notch of flaps approximately 500 yds from the end of runway 26L; which I was cleared for the option for by ATC.  Upon touchdown at around 65 mph; a strong wind gust from the left pushed my plane hard toward the right hand side of the runway.  The plane also lifted back up a few feet as I was in the process of pulling my flaps back up.  I attempted to steer back toward the left but the plane; by this time on the ground; continued to pull toward the right side.  The plane then veered left at approximately a 60 degree angle; I did not attempt to correct the pull as I did not wish to tip the plane; and there was soft grass and short brush just off of runway 26L which appeared to be a safe location to come to a stop in.  The plane rolled into the tall grass/brush.  I completed a check list shut down of the engine; contacted the tower that I would need assistance pushing the plane off of the grass and back to the runway.  I exited the plane and waited for airport personnel.  The airport personnel assisted in turning my plane back toward runway 26L until my wheels were clear of the tall grass and brush.  I started the engine back up; contacted the tower; then taxied back to my tie down spot.  There was no damage to the aircraft noted.  I learned from the this incident that I need to have improved command of my aircraft in terms of set up for a crosswind landing; to pull the flaps up to normal setting more quickly rather than leaving them in the full down position as I did in this case.  I believe that this was the main reason for my failure to maintain control of my landing roll; or for why the aircraft ballooned once on the runway.  My approach and landing speeds could have also been less; along with a more efficient crab angle into the cross wind that was occurring.  I intend to seek out a CFI for further training with my aircraft; specifically for crosswind landings and procedures.I learned a great lesson from this incident; and will think of it often as I continue with my aviation pursuits.
PA-28-180 pilot reported loss of control during landing in gusty wind conditions that resulted in excursion from the runway surface into grass and brush.  No damage noted.