N7969C

Substantial
None

NORTH AMERICAN SNJS/N: 43974

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, April 20, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA242
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Event ID
20170424X30607
Coordinates
34.213333, -118.490554
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
NORTH AMERICAN
Serial Number
43974
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
SNJT2
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
SNJ-5

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CONDOR SQUADRON OFFICERS & AIRMENS ASSOC INC
Address
7800 HAYVENHURST AVE
City
VAN NUYS
State / Zip Code
CA 91406-1734
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that as the tailwheel was contacting the ground, a "sudden gust of wind" lifted the right wing and the airplane weathervaned to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and exited the right side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system on the accident airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 270° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 16.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA242