Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a culvert.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing, the airplane encountered a "strong" wind gust. The airplane touched down on the left side of the runway centerline. When the tailwheel touched down, the pilot felt as though the airplane was being pushed further to the left side of the runway. He recalled that the right wing lifted, and the airplane veered to the left. He applied right rudder, and he leveled the wings, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and impacted a drainage culvert.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The METAR for the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 11 knots, and gusting to 16 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 25.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA227