Tailwheel Aircraft Accident During Practice Landing in Crosswind (N2836C)

Pilot Account and Flight Phase The pilot stated that he was practicing takeoffs and landings in his tailwheel-configured airplane. During the landing that resulted in the accident, he reported that his wing was picked up by the wind during the flare for landing touchdown. According to the pilot, the wind was an approximate 50-degree crosswind at nine knots, gusting to about thirteen knots. He stated that the airplane touched down on the runway after he leveled the wings, but the landing roll was not parallel with the runway centerline. ## Runway Departure and Witness Observation The pilot stated that the airplane went off the runway edge, its tires sank into the soft ground, and the airplane nosed over. A flight instructor witness stated that the winds were unusually variable during the timeframe of the accident event. The witness stated that he observed the airplane's left wing strike the ground and cartwheel, ending up with its nose and left wingtip on the ground.