NTSB Factual Report

The pilot was landing on a 8,342 feet long by 150 feet wide asphalt runway. The winds reported at the time of the accident were a right quartering headwind of 7 knots with gusts to 19 knots. As the pilot was making a turn to the left to enter a taxiway “a gust of wind” raised the wing, the pilot lost directional control, and the airplane impacted a runway marker sign. There was substantial damage to the right main landing gear, right side of the fuselage, and the propeller. The pilot reported that he was not injured and exited the airplane unassisted. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the scene and examined the airplane reported that there were no anomalies with the brake system, tail wheel steering, or flight controls.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing with gusting winds.