North American AT6 N757LF accident near Mason, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on runway 10, the airplane encountered a wind shift and gust. He stated that he added aileron flight control input to "counteract the wind shift" but that the airplane "veered/looped" to the left, exited the runway, and continued into a ditch.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing structure. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 14 minutes after the accident, wind was from 00° at 5 knots, gusting to 14 knots. Given the evidence, the pilot likely lost directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16TA194 for the full record.