MONTE CLARK VANS RV8 near Hamilton, MT — 2021-12-05

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PHOTOSphotos

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