Amateur-built JV-Special / RV8 N7776J accident near Roanoke, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while executing a three-point landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the airplane touched down and a wind gust pushed the nose of the airplane to the left. The pilot attempted to keep the wings level and remain on the runway. He then applied the brakes and “shoved” the flight control stick forward. The airplane hit the runway on its nose and came to rest upright which resulted in substantial damage to the 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 pilot was landing the airplane on runway 17 with wind from 090° at 9 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA356 for the full record.