Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the tailwheel airplane began to "pitch left" during landing. The pilot made crosswind corrections and could not keep the wings level. The left wing touched the runway and the airplane continued forward and then yawed to the right. The pilot was unable to correct the yaw with rudder application and engine power and the airplane exited the runway. The airplane's left landing gear folded when it contacted the terrain off the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing spar. The pilot indicated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the tailwheel airplane began to "pitch left" during landing. The pilot made crosswind corrections and could not maintain wings level. The left wing touched the runway and the airplane continued straight. The airplane subsequently yawed to the right. The pilot was unable to correct the yaw with rudder application and engine power, and the airplane exited the runway. The airplane's left landing gear folded when it contacted the terrain off the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing spar. The pilot did not indicate that there were any airplane mechanical malfunctions prior to the airplane exiting the runway.