Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was conducting a touch-and-go in a tailwheel-equipped airplane with a direct crosswind component of 15 knots gusting up to 20 knots from the left side of the airplane. During landing, the crosswinds began pushing the airplane to the right side of the runway. While correcting back to centerline the pilot reported that a combination of over-correction and gusty crosswinds caused a loss of control. The airplane ground looped, departed the left side of the runway, and came to rest upright with the nose of the aircraft pointed approximately 180 degree from runway heading. Damage was sustained to the wing spar.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA054 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 1, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arcola, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Houston-Southwest (AXH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Micco Aircraft Company MAC-145B
- N-number
- N579RM
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.