Helio H-391B N4431U accident near Monroe, Michigan

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while landing his tailwheel airplane in a crosswind, the airplane bounced upon touchdown. The right wing lifted, the airplane drifted down the runway on the left wheel, and the airplane exited the runway into the grass. The left wheel dug into the grass and the airplane pivoted. During the accident sequence, the left landing gear separated from the fuselage, and the left wing struck the ground. The left wing was substantially damaged. 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 03 with wind from 100° at 10 knots gusting 15 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA325 for the full record.