GAA17CA469

Factual narrative

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, the airplane began an un-commanded slow turn to the right. He added that he applied left brake and left rudder, but the airplane continued to the right. Subsequently the airplane ground looped to the right, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system on the airport reported, about 10 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 90° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, the airplane began an uncommanded slow right turn. He added that he applied left brake and left rudder, but the airplane continued to turn right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 90° at 9 knots. The pilot 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-Crosswind-Effect on operation