North American SNJ N3238G accident near San Antonio, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control while landing a tailwheel airplane in gusty wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had just completed a landing in a tailwheel equipped airplane, and he noticed the wind began to shift. He then elected to conduct another wheel landing. The pilot stated he landed on runway 17, on centerline, and that as he lowered the tail, the airplane experienced a strong pull to the right. He was unable to keep the airplane from departing the runway and as he reduced the throttle, the airplane entered a ground loop.

The airplane's right main landing gear collapsed, and the wing and propeller struck the ground. Substantial damaged was noted to the right wing. A review of the weather conditions about the time of the accident noted wind at 330° at 3 kts, and 20 minutes later, the wind was reported as 360° at 11 kts with gusts to 17 kts.

The accident is consistent with the pilot's loss of control during landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA176 for the full record.