GAA16CA424

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions, the airplane veered off the runway to the right. The pilot further reported that he "applied full brakes" to avoid a bush, subsequently the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both left lift struts. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport, revealed that, about 5 minutes before the accident the wind was 360 degrees true at 7 knots, and wind gusts 13 knots. The airplane landed on runway 36. The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions, the airplane veered off the runway to the right. The pilot further reported that he "applied full brakes" to avoid a bush, subsequently the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both left lift struts. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport, revealed that, about 5 minutes before the accident the wind was 360 degrees true at 7 knots, and wind gusts 13 knots. The airplane landed on runway 36. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

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