Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he circled the airport to check the wind direction and speed, and then he initiated a final approach about 70 knots with 3 notches of flaps.
He reported that the airplane encountered a wind gust prior to initiating the landing flare. Upon touchdown of the wheel landing the airplane bounced and he applied forward yoke pressure.
The airplane began to drift to the right of the runway center line during the landing roll and he applied left rudder and left aileron to counter the drift, but when the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered to the left.
He applied right rudder and right brake, but the right main landing gear collapsed, the left wing lifted, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and it came to rest in the grass safety area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing spar.
The pilot reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from the west-southwest, about 7 knots. The pilot landed on runway 32.
The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was calm, and the skies were clear.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA404