Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot was landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane in right quartering tailwind conditions. After touchdown, with the tailwheel on the runway, the airplane drifted to the right and the pilot applied left brake. The right landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped and came to rest upright near the right edge of the runway. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, and that, "it got away from me, I guess."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA301 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- City Of Colorado Springs Muni (COS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech D17S
- N-number
- N44562
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1944
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.