North American T 6 N2996Q accident near Chesapeake, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose over.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, the airplane approached runway 10 in a "significant right crosswind," which diminished when the airplane touched down. The airplane touched down first on the right main wheel and the tailwheel about 70 knots airspeed. When the left main wheel touched down, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and left brake and maintained aft stick pressure; however, the inputs were ineffective.

The airplane exited the right side of the runway and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, the vertical stabilizer and the rudder.

The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident the wind was from 180° at 7kts.

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 GAA18CA068 for the full record.