What happened
The pilot was en route to Mesa, Arizona, when adverse weather conditions at the destination prompted a decision to divert and land at Goodyear, Arizona. During the approach to Runway 3, sustained winds were reported from 050 degrees at speeds between 20 and 25 knots.
Upon touchdown, the pilot executed a wheel landing. The aircraft was decelerating with the tailwheel in contact with the runway surface when a strong wind gust caused the aircraft to spin around. This loss of directional control resulted in the airplane veering off the left side of the runway and striking a small ditch.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing and the subsequent loss of control. Examination of the event revealed that the pilot had maintained a wheel landing technique, which is standard for tailwheel aircraft but requires careful management of crosswind components. The presence of sustained winds from 050 degrees at 20 to 25 knots created significant lateral forces on the aircraft.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the strong wind gust that occurred during the deceleration phase of the landing. The combination of the tailwheel configuration and the crosswind conditions made the aircraft susceptible to weathervaning or spinning if not corrected promptly. The pilot's inability to maintain directional control led to the runway excursion.
Safety message
Pilots operating tailwheel aircraft in crosswind conditions should be aware of the increased risk of loss of directional control, particularly during the deceleration phase after touchdown. Careful consideration of wind gusts and their potential impact on aircraft handling is essential for safe operations.