Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with a left quartering tailwind and wind gusts.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while attempting to land his tailwheel equipped airplane in a left-quartering tailwind, he encountered a strong gust of wind and subsequently lost control. The airplane veered off the runway, the left main landing gear sunk in the mud and the airplane nosed over. Both wings, the vertical stabilizer and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems and the accident could have been prevented if he had executed a go-around and landed in the opposite direction.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA174 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Walnut Ridge (ARG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Corp GULFSTREAM AM G-164B
- N-number
- N8402K
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.