Runway excursion Accident Cessna T188C N9955J, Sunday 31 May 2009

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Date:	Sunday 31 May 2009
Time:	06:15 LT
Type:	Cessna T188C
Owner/operator:
Registration:	N9955J
MSN:	T18803884T
Total airframe hrs:	3700 hours
Engine model:	Continental TSIO-510T
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Rock Springs, Montana - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:	Rock Springs, MT (KPVT)
Destination airport:	Rock Springs, MT (KPVT)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot began the takeoff roll in gusting crosswind conditions that exceeded the airplane's demonstrated crosswind velocity. During the roll the airplane departed the runway, spun around, and came to rest facing opposite the direction of travel. The main landing gear failed during the accident sequence, with signatures that indicated it had sustained an overload. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited to takeoff in lower wind conditions.

Probable Cause: The pilot's decision to attempt to takeoff in crosswind conditions that exceeded the airplane's demonstrated crosswind capability.

Accident investigation: