Bluefield, WV, USA
N257DR
ROWE DENNIS A HIGHLANDER
The pilot of the amateur-built, experimental, tailwheel airplane stated that during a cross-country flight, he diverted due to stronger than expected headwinds. He added that the touchdown on the runway at the diversion airport was normal until the airplane veered left after being struck by a strong gust of wind. The pilot attempted to correct with full right brake and full right rudder, but the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing contacted the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot also reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The recorded wind at the airport, about 30 minutes after the accident, was a direct left crosswind at 8 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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