Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the crosswind landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane with a 10 to 12 knot crosswind when the accident occurred. He reported that upon touchdown, the airplane weathervaned into the wind. He applied full aileron into the wind and opposite rudder to compensate. The airplane turned into the wind and continued off the runway, where it traveled through a ditch and contacted a two-foot deep rut prior to coming to a stop. The right wing was substantially damaged.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the tailwheel airplane with a 10 to 12 knot crosswind when the accident occurred. He reported that upon touchdown, the airplane weathervaned into the wind. He applied full aileron into the wind and opposite rudder to compensate. The airplane turned into the wind and continued off the runway, where it traveled through a ditch and contacted a two foot deep rut prior to coming to a stop. The right wing was substantially damaged.