N52TW

On August 31, 1998, at 1800 central daylight time, a Pitts S-2B tail wheel equipped airplane, N52TW, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing at the Grayson County Airport, near, Sherman, Texas. The private pilot, owner and operator of the airplane, and sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight that originated from the Grayson County Airport at 1700. A flight plan was not filed.

The pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he entered the downwind leg for landing on runway 17L and noticed that the windsock indicated an "80 to 90 degree crosswind." Just prior to the wheels of the airplane contacting the runway "a gust of wind from 090 degrees" pushed the bi-plane to the right of the runway centerline. The airplane contacted the runway to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot tried to maintain directional control by "applying left rudder and brakes." Subsequently, the tail of the airplane started to swing out to the right and the right main gear collapsed. The airplane slid approximately 15 feet before stopping upright on the runway.

The pilot estimated that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 090 degrees at 10 to 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

The pilot had accumulated a total of 122 hours in the make and model. The airplane had accumulated a total of 112 hours since new.

An FAA inspector examined the airplane after the accident and stated that the right main gear collapsed and the lower right wing was structurally damaged. The pilot added that the right wing sustained spar and rib damage.