Amateur-built EAA BIPLANE MODEL P N222WZ accident near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to practice low approaches to runway 9. After completing several low approaches the pilot landed on a 1,500-foot grass strip located on the right side of runway 9. The pilot stated that, immediately after touchdown, the airplane was “pushed” by the wind and ground-looped, which resulted in a buckled firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical or flight control anomalies prior to the accident. The closest weather observation station (located about 16 nautical miles northwest of the accident site) reported wind out of 030 degrees at 6 knots about the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA384 for the full record.