GAA16CA459

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing roll in variable gusting wind conditions, the tailwheel equipped airplane started an uncontrolled left turn, and he applied throttle to regain directional control with no effect. The pilot further reported that the airplane exited the runway to the left, became airborne and rolled left, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that during the landing roll in variable gusting wind conditions, the tailwheel equipped airplane started an uncontrolled left turn, and he applied throttle to regain directional control with no effect. The pilot further reported that the airplane exited the runway to the left, became airborne and rolled left, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. 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
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Rough terrain-Contributed to outcome