Amateur-built SA300 N27MW accident near Georgetown, Kentucky

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll in gusting a gusting crosswind, resulting in a runway excursion and nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was returning to his home airport after a local flight and the reported wind was from 300° at 9 knots with gusts to 13 knots. He performed a low approach to runway 3 with a direct crosswind. He remained in the traffic pattern for another approach to runway 3. After an uneventful touchdown and initial rollout, with the throttle at idle, the airplane began to veer to the left. He countered with right rudder and was able to maintain his track throughout most of the landing roll. Near the end of the rollout, while still on the paved surface, the airplane veered left more abruptly, and the right wingtip touched the runway. The airplane then departed the runway to the left and nosed over into the grass. The pilot egressed the airplane without injury. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the upper wing, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA004 for the full record.