The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped Piper PA12 reported that he had landed on the turf runway at the airport in Mecosta, Michigan, in variable wind conditions. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and departed the right side of the runway.
It then hit a lighted runway cone and a windsock pole.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The weather reporting station at the nearest airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 340° at 7 knots. The pilot landed on Runway 36.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in impact with a windsock pole.
This March 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
