Temco GC-1B N77759 accident near Waukegan, Illinois

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a crosswind that resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that while taking off for a personal flight in a tailwheel airplane, the airplane encountered wind from the south during the takeoff roll and weathervaned. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway and ground looped. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground sustaining substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was taking the airplane off on runway 23 with the wind from 130o at 8-10 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA058 for the full record.