North American HARVARD III N407EZ accident near Sanatoga, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that during approach and landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane he was flying into the sun, which limited his vision. He also described that the wind was almost direct crosswind and shifting. The pilot further stated that he should have conducted a go-around because the airplane was unforgiving at lower airspeeds. Upon touchdown, the airplane landed on the main landing gear firmly and the airplane bounced before becoming airborne again. As the pilot was attempting to land the airplane again, the pilot thought the wind was pushing the airplane to the left. He attempted to compensate with right brake and lost directional control, resulting in a runway excursion into the soft ground. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted resulting in substantial damage to the right wing 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 ERA26LA334 for the full record.