Cessna L-19E N3946K accident near Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a gusty crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the first approach to runway 36R, the preceding airplane struggled with the wind, so the pilot aborted the approach and reentered the pattern for another attempt. During the second attempt, he utilized a technique that required flaps extended 10°, left wing down, and right rudder. The left main landing gear touched down first followed by the tailwheel as the pilot used full left aileron to counter the left crosswind. During the landing roll the airplane slid to the right and departed the runway. The airplane impacted a ditch and the main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident the wind was from 300° at 17 knots with gusts to 27 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA332 for the full record.