Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command not obtaining directional control prior to landing touch down in a crosswind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he was practicing takeoffs and landings in his tailwheel configured airplane. During the landing which resulted in the accident, the pilot stated his wing was picked up by the wind during the flare for landing touchdown. The wind, according to the pilot, was an approximate 50 degree crosswind at nine knots gusting to about thirteen knots. The pilot stated the airplane touched down on the runway after he leveled the wings. The landing roll was not parallel with the runway centerline. The pilot stated the airplane went off the runway edge, its tires sank into the soft ground and the airplane nosed over. A flight instructor witness stated the winds were unusually variable during the timeframe of the accident event. He stated he observed the airplane's left wing strike the ground and cartwheel, ending up with its nose and left wingtip on the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
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