NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot reported that during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a right crosswind gust, and the right wing lifted. "The airplane sidestepped to the left and the left main landing gear wheel assembly separated, and the left-wing tip struck the ground." The left main landing gear strut contacted the runway surface and the airplane skidded to a stop.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points.

According to the METAR at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, the wind was reported as being from 180° at 6 knots. The pilot landed to runway 13. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Photographs taken by the pilot during a post-accident examination revealed that an extension casting, that was part of the tailwheel conversion kit, failed where the two lower landing gear strut attachment bolts connect to the extension casting.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a side load and subsequent failure of the left main landing gear extension casting.