WPR23LA271

Factual narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while landing with a crosswind, a gust of wind was encountered that “caught my tail” and pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder, “not realizing my feet were partially on the brakes,” and full throttle to abort the landing. The airplane turned to the right and the pilot applied left rudder to keep the airplane on the runway. The airplane entered the runway safety area, impacted a berm, resulting in the airplane becoming airborne, sending it into the parking area at the airport. The airplane impacted the top of another airplane tied down in the parking area. The right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 29 with wind from 180° at 8 knots. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation