Maule M-4-220C N2051U accident near Pendleton, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing flare, the airplane experienced a wind gust and dropped to the runway. The airplane bounced, then subsequently bounded two more times before settling on the runway. During the landing roll, a wind gust from the right pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot applied aileron and rudder correction, however, the airplane continued toward the left and subsequently exited the runway. During the runway excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 26 with the wind from 200° at 6 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA196 for the full record.