Maule M-5-235C N9219E accident near Los Angeles, California

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing on Runway 30, the airplane bounced and touched down a second time in a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the airplane began to weathervane to the left. The pilot added right rudder and left aileron, and the airplane abruptly turned to the right and departed the runway. The airplane began skidding in the dirt, the left main landing gear failed, and the left wing tip impacted the ground. The winds were from 230 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the accident, giving a calculated left crosswind component of 9 knots for the landing. Examination of the airplane found no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have contributed to a loss of directional control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA204 for the full record.