Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice landings in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot said that during the landing roll the airplane veered left. He applied corrective control inputs in an effort to realign the airplane with the runway; however, the airplane continued left and exited the runway surface. During the accident sequence, the airplane’s right wing contacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the outboard section of the lower wing. The pilot reported that he was landing with a left quartering crosswind and that the airplane sustained no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice landings in the tailwheel equipped airplane. The pilot said that during the landing roll the airplane veered left. He applied corrective control inputs in an effort to realign the airplane with the runway; however, the airplane continued left and exited the runway surface. During the accident sequence, the airplane’s right wing contacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the outboard section of the lower wing. The weather reported by the pilot on the NTSB accident report form revealed he was landing with a left quartering crosswind condition. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.