Piper PA-28-235 N9119W accident near Calhan, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, upon arrival at the destination airport, the reported wind was from 220° at 10 knots gusting to 20 knots. He chose to fly a faster approach speed for landing on runway 15. He stated that, as the airplane touched down, a gust of wind pushed the airplane off the runway toward a hangar. Although he knew he impacted ground signs, he attempted a go-around, but was unable to avoid the hangar in front of him and impacted it with the left wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that he was unable to maintain control of the airplane during the landing and attempted go-around.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA165 for the full record.