Tailwheel Airplane Weather-Vanes into Ditch During Crosswind Landing

Accident Details

A pilot reported that while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry, gravel airstrip, a correction was required for a 10-knot right crosswind. During touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the airplane three to four feet, causing it to drift left of the centerline. Upon the second touchdown, the airplane weather-vaned into the wind, and the pilot found that full left rudder application had no effect. The airplane continued across the runway and into a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.