On May 23, 2004, a Glenn L Smith RV-8 (registration N767GS) was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder City, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was a sudden wind shift. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the landing roll on runway 9R, a strong gust pushed the airplane to the right, causing it to veer off the runway and strike a distance remaining sign despite pilot control inputs.
Introduction
A pilot reported an incident during the landing roll on runway 9R at an airport. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway and struck a runway distance remaining sign. The pilot had made an uneventful tail wheel landing on runway 9R.
Sequence of Events
The UNICOM airport advisory reported winds as 120 degrees, variable 10 to 15 knots with gusts. The pilot visually checked the windsock and noted it indicating southeasterly. As the airplane's speed reached 45 knots during the landing roll, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. Despite applying left rudder, left brake, and left aileron inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and subsequently exited the runway. The impact with the sign occurred after the airplane departed the paved surface.