Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an off-airport beach landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was landing off-airport, on a sloped tidal beach, with a crosswind. During the landing the airplane veered left, and he attempted to correct to no avail. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest about 90° to the left of the intended landing path. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.