Accident Summary
A student pilot was conducting a landing on runway 13. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a right crosswind gust. The right wing lifted, causing the airplane to sidestep to the left. As a result, the left main landing gear wheel assembly separated, and the left-wing tip struck the ground. The left main landing gear strut then contacted the runway surface, and the airplane skidded to a stop.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
Photographs taken by the pilot during a post-accident examination revealed that an extension casting, which was part of the tailwheel conversion kit, failed at the location where the two lower landing gear strut attachment bolts connect to the extension casting.
Weather Conditions
According to the METAR at the accident airport around the time of the accident, the wind was reported as being from 180° at 6 knots. The pilot landed on runway 13.