Accident Summary
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing when the left main landing gear collapsed during a landing in variable wind conditions. The accident occurred on the final approach leg of the landing.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, while on final approach, he applied left aileron to counteract a left crosswind. The crosswind then ceased, prompting the pilot to reduce the aileron input. As the airplane touched down, another crosswind was encountered, and the pilot reapplied left aileron. However, the left wing and left main landing gear became airborne, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The pilot then applied the right brake, but the airplane continued to the right until the left wing came down and the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.
Weather Information
Winds recorded at a nearby airport about the time of the accident were variable at 5 knots.