his March 2009 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.
Aircraft: Aviat Husky. Injuries: None. Location: Beaver, Utah. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on a road. As the airplane rolled out, a strong gust of wind lifted the right wing so that the left wing hit the ground. The pilot corrected and the plane veered to the right. The right wing leading edge hit a small cedar tree. As the airplane came to a stop, the propeller hit the ground. The left wing, left elevator, and right wing sustained damage.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind gusts.
For more information: NTSB.gov
Off airport has special risks; even for a STOL taildragger.
Trees, fence posts, rocks and ruts are less prevalent on runways.
Why even mention the road? Exactly the same situation can happen on an airport runway.