Incident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control during a crosswind landing on runway 35, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot, who had approximately 300 hours of total tailwheel flight time and 5 hours in the accident airplane, was acting as pilot-in-command for the first time.
Weather Conditions
According to the pilot's recollection, the Automated Surface Observing System reported wind from 050° at 5 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The runway in use was 35, which required a crosswind component given the wind direction.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right. The tail rose, and the pilot lost directional control. The airplane came to rest facing southeast after another gust lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to strike the ground. The wind gust then subsided, and the airplane came to rest upright.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and elevator.
Pilot's Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In a National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented with more instruction from a Federal Aviation Administration Certificated Flight Instructor specific to crosswind landings in the accident airplane. The pilot added, "But more important, I should have flown the airplane to an airport with a runway that was more in line with the wind."
Investigation
No probable cause has been determined by the investigating authority.