Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control while landing in gusty crosswinds in a tail wheel equipped airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was performing a full-stop landing after practicing landings at another airport. The tail-wheel equipped airplane touched down on runway 35 with a prevailing wind from 220 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots. The airplane landed with the main landing gear and the pilot lowered the tail of the airplane by applying aft stick. The tailwheel began to shimmy as the pilot steered the airplane down the runway. During the landing, the airplane began to yaw left and right before lifting up slightly and yawing to the left. The right landing gear buckled when it contacted the ground and the right lower wing contacted the ground resulting in substantial damage. The airplane departed the runway and came to rest to the left side of the runway. An examination of the airplane conducted by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration did not detect any preimpact anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was performing a full-stop landing after practicing landings at another airport. The tail-wheel equipped airplane touched down on runway 35 with a prevailing wind from 220 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots. The airplane landed with the main landing gear and the pilot lowered the tail of the airplane by applying aft stick. The tailwheel began to shimmy as the pilot steered the airplane down the runway. During the landing, the airplane began to yaw left and right before lifting up slightly and yawing to the left. The right landing gear buckled when it contacted the ground and the right lower wing contacted the ground resulting in substantial damage. The airplane departed the runway and came to rest to the left side of the runway. An examination of the airplane conducted by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration did not detect any preimpact anomalies.