Amateur-built SKYBOLT N453DB accident near Guthrie, Oklahoma

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a quartering left crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while landing, the airplane had a shimmy from the tailwheel for about 50 to 100 ft. During the landing, the airplane ground looped to the right, exited the runway, and the lower left wing struck the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the lower left wing. A review of a surveillance video showed the airplane touchdown and immediately ground loop with no landing roll observed. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 16 with wind from 130° at 7 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA075 for the full record.