Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a left quartering headwind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after a three-point landing, the airplane began to "shudder" and veered left. He corrected with forward pressure to the control stick and opposite rudder and the airplane's tail raised off the runway and the airplane regained the runway heading. As the airspeed decreased, the tailwheel touched down again on the runway, and the airplane shuddered and veered left again. He corrected with opposite rudder, left brake and aileron, but the airplane ground looped to the left, and the main landing gears collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that, about one hour prior to the accident, the wind was from 340º at 12 knots, gusting 17 knots. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time the accident, the wind was from 340° at 8 knots. The airplane landed on runway 5.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA434