Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a landing in a conventional-landing-gear-equipped airplane, the aircraft veered left before the tailwheel contacted the runway. The right main landing gear subsequently collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground, damaging the right main landing gear, wing, and elevator.
Flight and Landing Sequence
The pilot had been airborne for approximately eight-tenths of an hour. Upon returning to the airport, the pilot was cleared for a right base entry for runway 34. The pilot executed a wheel landing, a technique commonly used in tailwheel aircraft where the main wheels touch down first while the tailwheel remains airborne.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot stated that the winds were light and variable from the northwest at the time of the accident. Additionally, the pilot observed small whirlwinds or dust devils on the runway during the landing.
Pilot's Recommendation
In the recommendation section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB form 6120.1), the pilot indicated that the accident could have been prevented by transitioning from the wheel landing to a three-point landing sooner before losing rudder authority.