Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty variable crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was landing on a turf runway when a gust of wind caused the airplane to drift off the left side of the runway. The airplane traveled down an embankment, struck a tree, and came to rest nose down. The pilot stated that during the landing, the wind was gusting up to 18 knots from varying directions (initially a headwind, then a left crosswind, and then a right crosswind). He further stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination revealed damage to the wings and right horizontal stabilizer. The recorded wind at an airport located about 10 miles southeast of the accident site about 20 minutes after the accident was from 110 degrees at 10 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA334 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 11, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weirsdale, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Love Field (97FL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing A75N1(PT17)
- N-number
- N71327
- 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.