Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain bank control during landing in gusting wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was practicing crosswind landings on the grass runway. On the second landing approach and as the airplane crossed over the runway threshold, it encountered a wind gust and rolled right. The pilot applied full engine power to perform a go-around, but the airplane continued to roll right. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled into an adjacent wooded area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot reported that he had been practicing crosswind landings on the grass runway in the tailwheel equipped airplane. On the second landing approach, as the airplane crossed over the runway threshold, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and rolled to the right. The pilot applied full engine power in an attempt to perform a go-around, but the airplane continued to roll right. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled into an adjacent wooded area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.