Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tail wheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll with a crosswind, the airplane began to swerve left and right as the tail wheel started to come down. The airplane the veered left off the runway onto the grass and collided with a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA056 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 5, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hamilton, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Ravallit (6S5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
VANS RV8
- N-number
- N889WT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2018
- 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.