NTSB Factual Report

On July 19, 2002, approximately 1107 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 190, single-engine tailwheel equipped airplane, N9854A, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control while landing at the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ), at Albuquerque, New Mexico. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight departed Prescott, Arizona, approximately 0800.

The 1,450-hour pilot reported that the airplane was struck by a wind from the right during the landing on runway 8. The airplane traveled to the left, and then rolled along the left side of the runway before the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid on the left wing before it came to rest.

The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, found the airplane resting at the intersection of runways 08/26 and 17/35. The left wing leading edge was crushed aft and five of the support ribs sustained structural damage. The left main landing gear attachment spring was sheared. The FAA inspector reported the "possibility the spring had a previously undetected fracture which, with the side loading, may have contributed to the failure of the landing gear."

At 1100, the ABQ weather observation facility reported the wind from 230 degrees at 7 knots (180 degrees variable 250 degrees), visibility 10 statute miles, clouds scattered at 1,300 feet, temperature 25 degrees Celsius, dew point 14 degrees Celsius, and the altimeter setting 30.16 inches of Mercury.

To date, a completed Owner/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) has not been submitted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A contributing factor was the crosswind.