Cessna 140A N9410A accident near Los Banos, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a crosswind, resulting in a ground loop and nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he diverted to an airport to make an en route fuel stop, but did not utilize the available weather products, which would have alerted him to the strong windy conditions at the airport. The pilot then selected Runway 32, requiring a correction for a strong left crosswind. During the landing roll, the airplane ground looped then subsequently nosed over on the paved runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, vertical stabilizer and rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA113 for the full record.