American Champion Aircraft 8GCBC N749PJ accident near Payson, Arizona

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while on final approach to land, the airplane encountered a wind gust and “rotated the aircraft” off runway centerline. He attempted to realign the airplane with the runway prior to landing, to no avail. During the landing roll, the airplane veered left. The pilot attempted corrective action; however, the airplane subsequently exited the runway. 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA075 for the full record.