The Piper PA-46 veered off the left side of the runway in Akron, Ohio, during landing with a left gusting crosswind.

The maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for the airplane was 17 knots.

The pilot said he applied right rudder and left aileron control inputs for the landing.

The left main landing gear touched down first and when the right main landing gear contacted the runway, a gust of wind lifted the left wing, resulting in a loss of directional control.

The airplane veered off the left side of the runway and into a grass area adjacent to the runway, wher the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall.

The pilot and passenger were uninjured.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB Identification: CEN15CA188

This February 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.