GAA18CA287

Factual narrative

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he attempted a three-point landing with 48° of flaps applied, in a strong crosswind from the left. He reported that after landing, the airplane lifted off again, and the left wing lifted. The pilot applied aileron and rudder inputs to counter the left crosswind, but he recalled that the inputs were ineffective at the airplane's low airspeed. He applied power to fly out of the gusting left crosswind condition, but the airplane veered to the right and the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled. The airplane sustained substantial damage to engine mounts, both wings, and the aft fuselage. The METAR at the accident airport about the time of the accident was reported as being from 160° at 12 knots and gusting to 25 knots. The highest wind reported during the observation period was from 190° at 31 knots. The pilot landed on runway 19. According to the manufacturer's airplane flight manual, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 12 knots and the flap extension should be limited to 0°. Per the National Transportation Safety Board, Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section, the pilot asserted that the accident could have been prevented if he had attempted a wheel landing with less than full flaps. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he attempted a three-point landing with 48° of flaps applied in a strong, left crosswind. He reported that, after landing, the airplane lifted off again, and the left wing lifted. The pilot applied aileron and rudder inputs to counter the left crosswind, but the inputs were ineffective due to the airplane's low airspeed. He applied power to fly out of the gusting left crosswind condition, but the airplane veered right, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts, both wings, and the aft fuselage. The METAR at the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, wind from 160° at 12 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The highest wind reported during the observation period was from 190° at 31 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 19. According to the manufacturer's airplane flight manual, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component was 12 knots, and the flap extension should be limited to 0°. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had attempted a wheel landing with less than full flaps. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 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 Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Wing structure-Trailing edge flaps-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation