Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with an airport sign.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, traveling about 45 to 55 knots, he encountered a crosswind. The airplane veered off the runway to the left into the wind and collided with a taxiway sign. The airplane came to a stop in grass adjacent to the runway. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About the time of the accident, a routine aviation weather report at the airport reported the wind at 190 degrees true at 12 knots and the runway heading was 260 degrees magnetic, which resulted in an 11 knot crosswind component.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA018 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 12, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Marcos, Texas
- Nearest airport
- San Marcos Muni (HYI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VANS RV 4
- N-number
- N165DR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.