Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, a gusty crosswind lifted the tail of the airplane, and he lost directional control. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane; however, when the tail wheel contacted the runway again, the airplane swerved to the right and exited the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot landed on runway 22 with wind variable between 150° and 200°at 9 kts.