Howard Aircraft DGA-15P N67722 accident near Farmingdale, New York

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in a crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the vintage, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he performing a wheel landing. A nearly direct left crosswind of approximately 8 knots prevailed at the time. After touchdown, the pilot began lowering the tail when the airplane started veering to the left. He applied full right rudder, but the airplane continued to yaw left. The pilot was uncertain whether the tailwheel had touched the ground during this time. As the left turn continued, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and came to rest oriented approximately 180 degrees from the landing direction. During the runway excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing contacted the ground, substantially damaging it. The pilot did not report that there were any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA276 for the full record.