Piper PA18 N530AK accident near Kerrville, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and ground-loop.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, based on the wind reported by the destination airport's AWOS, he decided to conduct a conventional, full-stall, three-point landing. He said the approach was normal and stabilized. When the airplane was about 1 ft above the runway, a wind gust pushed the airplane left. The left main landing gear contacted the runway, and the airplane drifted right. The left shock absorber broke, and the airplane swerved right. The tailwheel unlocked, and the airplane ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA033 for the full record.