ANC11CA096

Factual narrative

The pilot reported he was taking off in his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a turf runway in a gusty, left crosswind. As the airplane accelerated, a gust of wind resulted in it momentarily becoming airborne. The airplane settled back to the runway in a left wing down attitude, and the left main landing gear contacted brush on the left side of the runway. The airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer on the runway. The right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The pilot reported that he was taking off in his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a turf runway with a gusty, left crosswind. As the airplane accelerated, a gust of wind resulted in the airplane momentarily becoming airborne. The airplane settled back to the runway in a left-wing-low attitude and the left main landing gear contacted brush on the left side of the runway. The airplane ground-looped to the left, striking the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer on the runway. The right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Contributed to outcome