Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While landing on runway 33, the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The pilot reported the winds were from 040 degrees at 7 knots and gusting. The main landing gear touched down followed by the tailwheel. When the tailwheel touched down, "the airplane swerved sharply to the right." The airplane departed the runway and impacted the edge of an adjacent taxiway surface. Examination of the airplane showed minor damage to the landing gear, left wing tip and firewall. The firewall for this airframe is not considered as major structure affecting the structural strength of the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
While landing on runway 33, the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The pilot reported the winds were from 040 degrees at 7 knots and gusting. The main landing gear touched down followed by the tailwheel. When the tailwheel touched down, "the airplane swerved sharply to the right." The airplane departed the runway and impacted the edge of an adjacent taxiway surface. Examination of the airplane showed minor damage to the landing gear, left wing tip and firewall. The firewall for this airframe is not considered as major structure affecting the structural strength of the airplane. The pilot and passenger were not injured.