Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during final approach to runway 4R, the tailwheel-equipped airplane required approximately 10 degrees of right crab to maintain alignment with the runway. As the pilot flared, he reduced power to idle, applied rudder to align the fuselage with the runway centerline, and added right aileron to counter the crosswind. During the subsequent 3-point landing, the airplane bounced.
Landing Roll and Gear Collapse
During the landing roll, the pilot held full right aileron against the wind when he perceived a gust that lifted the right wing. He maintained full right aileron, full aft yoke, and used rudder to maintain directional control. At about 40 knots groundspeed, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.
Inspection Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted that the airplane had been involved in an accident in 1990 and was repaired in 1995. Maintenance records indicated that the left gear and left wing, along with several other items, had been replaced during that repair. After the current incident, the inspector found that the landing gear bolt was bent and the threads on the nut were stripped.
Weather Conditions
According to the automated weather observation system at the accident airport, about 20 minutes before the accident the wind was from 110° at 8 knots, gusting to 19 knots. About 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 150° at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots.