Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of a of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the right wing "lifted abruptly and rapidly." He attempted to correct with right aileron, but the airplane continued to the left and then began to yaw left. The pilot added right rudder and power to correct to no avail. Subsequently, he reduced power, the airplane exited the runway, impacted a ditch and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damaged to the right wing and rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot estimated that the wind was from 300 degrees at 24 knots with gusts to 28 knots.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 320° at 15 knots, gusting 21 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 31.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA170