Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 4.6; Flight Crew Total 122; Flight Crew Type 122
Distraction; Training / Qualification; Troubleshooting
Ground Event / Encounter Object; Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Object; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Weather
Conditions: Clear; good visibility; winds 260 at 8 KTS gusting to 17. Gusts/winds were moving direction and about 30 minutes after mishap Tower changed to crosswind runway. Final approach Runway 23; 20 degrees flaps and 8 KTS over approach speed due to wind and gusts. [I] landed with crosswind consideration to deal with right crosswind. A bit bumpy (side to side) on final. Touched down wing low wheel (right) and at or just before; left wheel touched plane weathervane hard to right - about 45 degrees plus to runway. Plane skidded down runway as well as more right in direction of wheels; at that point given direction of wheels [and] at that point given direction falling and location that point given direction facing and location of aircraft on runway. I felt safer taxing smoothly and safely by direction of plane facing which was over short grass safety error and to Taxiway M. After review and discussions with authorities [I] taxied plane back to appropriate ramp area. One taxiway light was broken; no injuries; no apparent damage to plane after full external inspection by PIC; airport operations and Airport Authorities. Plane will be reviewed/inspected by mechanic. I believe strong gusts right at touchdown caused severe weathervane to right and as a result the plane moved quickly to right side of runway (on wheels). As to prevention-perhaps more in depth crosswind training will help. Include better pilot assessment of arrival conditions (windsock) not just ATIS-before landing. Also insist on different runway if; in PIC's determination it is warranted.
A C172 pilot landed in a gusty crosswind and after the aircraft weathervaned exited the runway; crossed a grassy area onto a taxiway without aircraft damage and only a taxiway light broken.