NTSB Factual Report

On June 27, 2001, at 1500 Eastern Daylight Time, a Bellanca 8GCBC, N8582V, was substantially damaged during landing rollout on runway 36 at Bunting's Field Airport (4MD1), Berlin, Maryland. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the banner towing flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a telephone interview, the pilot reported that it was normal banner towing day. He landed to the north and was about to bring the tail down when the left wing came up. The pilot tried to correct for it, but "couldn't get the wing down fast enough." The airplane was pushed to the right side of the runway, and the right main tire was pulled into an area of tall weeds. The airplane then struck a dirt pile located in the weeds.

Additionally, the pilot reported a left crosswind, which had been gusting up to 12 knots. A wind sock was located on the field, and the pilot reported that it was "just about fully extended during the day."

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-scene investigation. According to the inspector, the right main landing gear had broken off and collapsed. The right wing spar was broken just outboard of the wing strut, and the propeller was bent.

Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical deficiencies.

The pilot reported a total of 200 hours in tailwheel aircraft, of which 60 hours were in make and model.

Runway 36 was a 3,000-foot-long, by 50-foot-wide turf strip.

Winds reported at Salisbury/Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), Salisbury, Maryland, at 1854, were variable at 6 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. A factor was the crosswind.