Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while landing with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
During the landing on runway 31, the flight encountered a crosswind from the right. Subsequently the airplane ground looped and nosed over. The fuselage and firewall were wrinkled. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA449 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grinnell, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Grinnell Regional Airport (KGGI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX CLASSIC 4
- N-number
- N84SD
- 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.