Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped amphibious airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot added full right rudder, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and impacted a ditch. The right main landing gear sheared off and the right wing struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located about 12 miles east of the airport reported that, about 34 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 090° at 11 knots, gusting 15 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 26 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 080° at 7 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The airplane landed on runway 18.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA225 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 21, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pelion, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Lexington County At Pelion (6J0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Republic RC 3
- N-number
- N9042N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.