Runway excursion involving a Piper Aircraft Corp PA-32-300, VH-MAR, Burrum Community, NT on 22 September 1996

The aircraft was on approach for landing with a 10 - 15 kt crosswind from the left. The pilot stated that he was holding the left wing down to counteract the crosswind, but as he commenced to flare prior to touchdown a stronger gust of wind moved the aircraft to the right. The aircraft touched down at the side of the airstrip on its left main wheel, possibly in soft sand, while still moving sideways. This imposed a side load to the landing gear leg which sheared the attachment bolts allowing the leg to separate from the wing.