NTSB Factual Report

On July 31, 2004, approximately 1602 central daylight time, a Boeing A75N1 tailwheel equipped single-engine airplane, N75272, was substantially damaged during landing roll following a loss of control at the Bay City Municipal Airplane (BYY), near Bay City, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Eastex Flet Service Inc., of Friendswood, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ) at 1500.

The 1,133-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he was unable to obtain and airport advisory on 122.8 megahertz. As he over flew the airport, he noted the windsock indicated a direct crosswind for runway 31 (a 5,107-foot long by 75-foot wide asphalt runway). Upon touching down on runway 31, the airplane started to veer to the left. The pilot stated he added full right rudder, but was unable to keep the airplane from exiting the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest nose low approximately 100 feet right of the runway centerline.

Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the right main landing gear was separated. The right lower wing spar was cracked inboard of the wing strut.

At 1625, the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at BYY, reported wind from 160 at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 4,400 feet mean sea level, temperature 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.87 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind.