Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a left crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he and his three passengers were returning to the airport after a local area flight. During the landing flare, the left wing lifted, and the airplane touched down on the right main landing gear tire, side loading the landing gear. The pilot was not able to level the airplane, and the tail began to drift to the right, which increased the side load to the right main landing gear. As a result, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and propeller struck the runway. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 30 with wind from 230° at 8 knots.