Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during the landing, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right of runway centerline. The pilot applied rudder and aileron inputs to counter the unexpected wind. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and came to rest upright on the runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the right wing spar was bent. No airframe or engine anomalies were reported by the pilot. The wind conditions at the airport were light and variable at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA590 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Joplin, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Joplin Regional Airport (JLN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Rans Designs Inc S-7LS
- N-number
- N544RS
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.