Amateur-built KITFOX N767JD accident near Hartford, Connecticut

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for crosswinds resulting in a loss of directional control while landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience and training in tailwheeled airplanes.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings with a passenger in his experimental tailwheel-equipped airplane. On the fourth touch and go, the pilot decided to land on a different runway with a mild crosswind, where he veered off the right side of the runway. He tried to conduct a go-around, but departed the right side of the runway and hit a taxiway sign, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot's written statement suggested that his inexperience in tailwheel aircraft was likely the root cause and that additional training in tailwheel aircraft was appropriate.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08LA185 for the full record.