American Legend Aircraft Co AL3 N35451 accident near San Diego, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during landing after the left main landing gear touched down, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer to the left. The pilot further reported that he applied right rudder and full power to abort the landing, but the right main landing gear impacted an airport taxiway marker. The airplane spun to the right and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the forward left lift strut.

According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport, revealed that about 12 minutes before the accident the wind was 240 degrees true at 9 knots. A further review of the recorded data revealed that about 6 minutes after the accident the wind was 240 degrees true at 7 knots. The airplane landed on runway 28L.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA425 for the full record.