Amateur-built KITFOX N1078P accident near Hackney, Kansas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in a gusting wind condition.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the landing roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, a gust of wind picked up the right wing. He attempted to correct with full right aileron, rudder, and full power to initiate a go-around. The pilot stated that he aborted the go-around, and the airplane ground looped and exited the left side of the runway. During the ground loop, the left wing struck the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, its lift strut, and the fuselage. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 17 with wind from 180° at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA262 for the full record.