Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The owner/pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting a normal three-point landing in a 15-knot right crosswind that was gusting to 18 knots. During the landing the airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in a drainage ditch. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.