Incident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a runway excursion during a landing, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear. The flight was conducted to allow one pilot to gain proficiency in the aircraft type, having accumulated approximately 3.5 hours of flight time in that airplane.
Runway and Wind Conditions
At the airport, one runway was closed, necessitating the use of runway 5-23. Prior to departure, the wind sock at the runway end indicated winds from 090 degrees at 8 knots, while the terminal wind sock showed winds from 140 degrees. According to the pilot-in-command (PIC), such discrepancies in wind direction were a common occurrence at the airport.
Flight and Accident Sequence
During the flight, the practicing pilot commented that the crosswind was increasing. On the final landing, the airplane veered to the right, departing the runway surface, and the left main landing gear collapsed. After the accident, the pilot noted that the wind had shifted to approximately 190-200 degrees at about 18 knots. Witnesses at the airport commented to the pilot that the winds were gusty at the time of the accident.
Conclusion
The accident involved a loss of directional control during landing in gusty, shifting crosswind conditions, leading to a runway excursion and structural damage to the landing gear.