NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of a Cessna 172R was landing on runway 5, a 9,001-foot-long, 150-foot-wide, asphalt runway. The pilot stated that the winds were unfavorable, blowing from 110 degrees at 7 knots. On short final approach, the pilot performed a sideslip maneuver to correct for the crosswind. Upon landing, the airplane felt unbalanced and began to veer to the right. The pilot tried to correct with rudder, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway and struck a runway sign. The right main landing gear separated, and the airplane came to rest upright in a grass area off the right side of the runway. The recorded winds about the time of the accident were from 120 degrees at 8 knots. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, which resulted in a collision with a runway sign. A factor was the crosswind.