Amateur-built RV-8 N228HM accident near Denton, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during landing he extended full flaps and applied crosswind correction for the 20 to 25 knot right crosswind. During the landing roll, the airplane suddenly yawed right, and the left wing contacted the runway. He applied full left rudder and right aileron to counteract the yaw, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The right main landing gear impacted sprinkler lines which collapsed the gear leg, then the airplane came to rest in the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The airplane was landing on runway 18L with reported winds 260o at 13 knots gusting to 21 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA039 for the full record.