Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, resulting in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tail wheel-equipped airplane was attempting a full stop landing in variable gusty wind conditions. Although he was able to successfully touch down on the main landing gear, as he was lowering the tail wheel to the runway surface, a gust of wind lifted the airplane's right wing. The airplane then began to weather vane to the right. The pilot attempted to realign the airplane with the runway, but he eventually lost directional control, whereupon the airplane's left wing struck the runway surface and was bent upward.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting a full stop landing in variable gusty wind conditions. Although he was able to successfully touchdown on the main landing gear, as he was lowering the tailwheel to the runway surface, a gust of wind lifted the airplane's right wing. The airplane then began to weather vane to the right. The pilot attempted to realign the airplane with the runway, but he eventually lost directional control, whereupon the airplane's left wing struck the runway surface and was bent upward.