On March 26, 2003, approximately 1215 mountain standard time, a Cessna 170A, N1228D, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with a taxiway sign while taxiing for takeoff at the Santa Rosa, New Mexico, Municipal Airport. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight, destined for Anthony, New Mexico, had not yet originated. In his accident report, the pilot said he was taxiing north on a north-south taxiway towards an east-west taxiway, where he intended to taxi east and depart on runway 26. While taxiing north, a gust of wind from the west, estimated to be between 30 and 40 knots, weathervaned the airplane to the left. Full right rudder and right brake was to no avail. The airplane departed the runway and the left main landing gear struck a taxiway sign. The landing gear box was buckled, the tail wheel was twisted, and several rivets were popped out of the left door post. The following weather was recorded at the Clines Corner remote AWOS (Automated Weather Observation Station), located 50 miles west of Santa Rosa: Wind, 280 degrees at 26 knots, gusts to 33 knots; visibility, (greater than) 10 statute miles; sky condition, clear; temperature, 15 degrees C. (59 degrees F.); dew point, -11 degrees C. (12 degrees F.); altimeter, 30.11. In his accident report, the pilot indicated he was seated in the right front seat. Another private pilot was in the left front seat.