Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during landing. A gusting crosswind was a contributing factor.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing the tailwheel equipped airplane in a crosswind on runway 20 and reported that during the landing roll, "...a sudden gust from the west lifted the right wing and landing gear." As the pilot attempted to correct the situation, the airplane's left main landing gear strut collapsed, and the left wing struck the runway surface. The airplane received structural damage to left wing and fuselage. The wind at the time of the accident was from 110 degrees at 10 knots. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA102 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 3, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Three Forks, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Three Forks (9S5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22/20
- N-number
- N1139C
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.