MYERS THORP-18 near Jerome, ID — 2010-09-10

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusty crosswinds.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he was landing his tail wheel-equipped airplane in almost direct crosswinds that were 11 knots, gusting to 18 knots. Soon after touchdown, he lost directional control. The airplane subsequently departed the side of the runway, and entered an area of grass covered soft terrain. As the airplane continued a left turn in the soft terrain, the right main landing gear collapsed inward due to an overload failure. The right wing contacted the surface and was substantially damaged. The pilot further stated the he did not believe there had been any anomalies associated with the airplane's flight control or tail wheel steering systems.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have chosen a different landing technique for crosswind conditions.

NTSB coding

• Landing gear collapse · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

Related mishaps

• BEECH 58

  2026-04-11 · Stevensville, MD

• FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW

  2026-04-07 · Seguin, TX

• CESSNA 320C

  2026-02-09 · Bartow, FL

• BEECH B19

  2026-02-09 · Umatilla, FL

• CESSNA 414A

  2026-01-05 · Tampa, FL

• CESSNA 414

  2025-08-26 · Maryville, MO