Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a crosswind landing. Contributing to the accident was the instructor's delayed action in regaining control of the airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the instructor, the pilot's previous landings had been “nice.” Upon touchdown on the last landing, the pilot added aft elevator and left aileron control to correct for the crosswind, but failed to use sufficient right rudder. The instructor told the pilot to use more rudder. The pilot added too much rudder, and the airplane yawed to the right. The instructor was unable to correct with opposite rudder. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway and the left gear separated, causing the left wing and propeller to strike the ground. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the instructor, the pilot's previous landings had been “nice.” Upon touch down on the last landing, the pilot added aft elevator and left aileron control to correct for the crosswind, but failed to use sufficient right rudder. The instructor told the pilot to use more rudder. The pilot added too much rudder, and the airplane yawed to the right. The instructor was unable to correct with opposite rudder. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway and the left gear separated, causing the left wing and propeller to strike the ground. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.