Amateur-built S-7 Courier N4186J accident near Wessington Springs, South Dakota

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing and subsequent go-around with a gusty right crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during a touch-and-go landing, the left main landing gear touched down first, and the airplane veered to the left when it encountered a gust of wind. The pilot applied full power to go-around, however, was unable to “get the right wing or nose back down.” The airplane exited the runway, crossed a drainage ditch, and the left main landing gear impacted terrain and collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 12, with wind from 160° at 8 knots, gusting to 12 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA231 for the full record.