GAA18CA118

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during landing in crosswind conditions, a wind gust "initiated" a ground loop and the airplane exited the runway to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 200° at 13 knots, gusting 17 knots. The airplane landed on runway 12. The pilot reported that, during landing in crosswind conditions, a wind gust "initiated" a ground loop, and the airplane exited the runway to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 200° at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The airplane landed on runway 12. 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-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation