Accident Sequence
During a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that shortly after a wheel landing, the aircraft drifted to the right (south) of the runway centerline. Despite applying brakes and corrective actions, the aircraft continued off the runway and down an embankment that parallels the runway. During the accident sequence, the aircraft's main landing gear separated from the airframe, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Post-Accident Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector from the Seattle, Washington, Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) visually inspected the aircraft after the accident. The inspector reported that there was no evidence found to indicate a brake failure or malfunction.
Weather Conditions
Shortly after the accident, a Sheriff's Deputy from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office reported that the winds at Roche Harbor were blowing across the runway at a 30- to 40-degree angle and estimated the wind speed at 10 to 15 knots. The deputy also stated that the winds favored Runway 24. The 1553 METAR observation taken at Friday Harbor, Washington (six miles southeast of the accident site), reported winds from 230 degrees true at 7 knots.