Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA449

Atchison, KS, USA

Aircraft #1

N304DR

RADFORD DARREL F CHRISTEN EAGLE II

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a wind gust and subsequently veered off the runway to the left. The pilot overcorrected to the right, and the airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the automated weather observation system indicated that the wind was from 270° at 10 knots. The airplane landed on runway 34.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a gust of wind, and subsequently veered off the runway to the left. The pilot over corrected to the right and the airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the automated weather observation system indicated that the wind was from 270° at 10 knots. The airplane landed on runway 34.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports