April 2, 2006, Grayslake, Ill. / Piper PA-32-301

The single-engine airplane veered off the left side of Runway 9 during landing and sustained substantial damage. The reported winds were 120 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 21 knots at a nearby station. The pilot entered a left downwind and confirmed a right crosswind condition by observing the windsock. The airspeed was 90 knots with a right crab on final approach to landing. The pilot reported, Prior to touchdown the wind calmed to the point that the crab was not needed. He reported the airplane touched down on the centerline of the dry runway. He reported, Almost immediately after touchdown, the plane started moving left. He reacted by putting in full right aileron and applying right rudder but he did not apply the brakes. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, encountered soft terrain, spun around and impacted a ditch.