Luscombe 8E N1855K accident near Bridgeport, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control due to a wind gust during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after a “normal” approach and landing, a “strong” wind gust “picked up the right wing.” The airplane entered a left skidding turn and departed the runway pavement. The right main landing gear collapsed in the grass area adjacent to the runway, and the airplane pitched up onto its nose before settling back onto the tail. The right-wing spar and fuselage sustained damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 18 with wind from 190o at 7 knots, gusts to 15 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA033 for the full record.