GAA17CA462

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, while correcting to maintain the runway centerline, the "upwind wing lifted" and the airplane swerved off the runway to the left. During the runway excursion, the left wing lift strut impacted a runway sign. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station, about the time of the accident, at the accident airport, reported wind from 150° at 3 knots. The pilot reported that the landing was on runway 8. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, while correcting to maintain the runway centerline, the "upwind wing lifted," and the airplane swerved off the runway to the left. During the runway excursion, the left wing lift strut impacted a runway sign. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station at the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, wind from 150° at 3 knots. The pilot reported that the landing was on runway 8. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Sign/marker-Contributed to outcome
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation