Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
While landing to runway 15 in gusty wind conditions, the pilot lost control of the tailwheel equipped airplane, it nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and lift strut. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures which would have precluded normal operation. The wind at the time of the accident was 100° at 13 knots with gusts to 20 knots. The calculated crosswind component was between 10 and 15 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA378 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 22, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cleburne, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Cleburne Regional Airport (CPT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J4
- N-number
- N6581H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1939
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.