Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was performing a landing in gusting crosswind conditions in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the landing flare, a wind gust lifted the airplane’s right wing. The pilot applied corrective control input and then landed. After he parked the airplane, the pilot realized that the airplane’s left wing had contacted the runway during the landing flare, causing substantial damage to the aileron and outboard wing skins. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was performing a landing during gusting crosswind conditions in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the landing flare, a wind gust lifted the right wing, and the pilot applied corrective control input. The left wing subsequently struck the runway, causing substantial damage to the aileron and outboard wing skins. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.