Landing Incident
During a crosswind landing, a single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the left and subsequently rolled along the left side of the runway. The left main landing gear then collapsed, causing the left wing leading edge to be crushed aft and resulting in structural damage to five support ribs. The left main landing gear attachment spring was found sheared.
Investigation Findings
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the possibility that the spring had a previously undetected fracture. This fracture, combined with side loading during the landing, may have contributed to the failure of the landing gear.
Weather Conditions
The wind was reported from 230 degrees at 7 knots, with variability between 180 and 250 degrees.