During a landing to Runway 17, with winds from 200 degrees at five knots, gusting to 14 knots, the main landing gear settled to the runway and forward pressure was applied to the control to initiate a wheel landing. Just before the tail wheel settled, the airplane began drifting to the right. Then, it swerved to the left, “triggered by a crosswind gust, use of brakes or clumsy footwork on the rudder that retarded the left wheel.” The airplane skidded to the left, which the pilot was unable to correct with right full rudder and aileron control. The airplane turned 180 degrees and exited the side of the runway into the soft dirt. The right main landing gear collapsed, the right wing and right elevator contacted the surface and were substantially damaged.
June 2, 2008, Logan, Utah, Piper PA-22-135
During a landing to Runway 17, with winds from 200 degrees at five knots, gusting to 14 knots, the main landing gear settled to the runway and forward pressure was applied to the control to initiate a wheel landing. Just before the tail wheel settled, the airplane began drifting to the right. Then, it swerved to the left, "triggered by a crosswind gust, use of brakes or clumsy footwork on the rudder that retarded the left wheel." The airplane skidded to the left, which the pilot was unable to correct with right full rudder and aileron control.
Key Takeaways:
- During a wheel landing attempt on Runway 17 with gusty crosswinds, the airplane lost directional control, drifting right before swerving sharply left.
- The swerve was potentially triggered by a crosswind gust, braking, or clumsy rudder input, which the pilot was unable to correct with full right rudder and aileron.
- The airplane skidded 180 degrees off the runway into soft dirt, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear and substantial damage to the right wing and elevator.
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