NTSB Factual Report

While enroute to his destination airport, the pilot of the tail-wheel equipped airplane, observed weather developing to the West and diverted to a nearby airport. The pilot stated that the approach for landing was normal, but after landing a wind gust forced the airplane to depart the runway and contact a runway distance remaining sign with the left wing. Post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the wing spar was substantially damaged. No evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or failures of the airplane or engine were discovered. A review of automated weather observing system data for the diversion airport revealed that the peak wind speed never exceeded 6 knots and no wind gusts were recorded before, during, or after, the time of the accident. A review of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) revealed that the pilot had accrued only 10.5 hours of flight experience in the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the tailwheel-equipped airplane.