On October 12, 2015, a FURGASON JAMES E VANS RV 4 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near San Marcos, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with an airport sign. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During the landing roll on a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot encountered a crosswind causing the aircraft to veer left into the wind, off the runway, and collide with a taxiway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Event Details
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll when it veered left into the wind and struck a taxiway sign. The pilot reported that the aircraft was traveling at an estimated 45 to 55 knots when the crosswind was encountered. After colliding with the sign, the airplane came to a stop in grass adjacent to the runway. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, a routine aviation weather report at the airport indicated the wind was from 190 degrees true at 12 knots. The runway heading was 260 degrees magnetic, resulting in an 11-knot crosswind component.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
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