Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, headwinds were stronger than expected, so he diverted the tailwheel, amphibious airplane to an en route airport. Broadcasted wind was from 280 degrees true at 10 knots, so the pilot elected to fly a right traffic pattern to land on runway 22. Upon touchdown, and during rollout with full aileron deflection, either a gust of wind or rotor turbulence lifted the right wing and exceeded the aileron's ability to keep the wing down. The pilot attempted to add power for a go around, but the airplane drifted to the left and ground looped to the left. It then spun about 180 degrees and rolled backwards off the runway. The tail wheel and right main wheel hit a slight rise and dug in. The wind then lifted the left wing and flipped the airplane over. Weather, recorded about 15 minutes after the accident, indicated varying winds from about 280 degrees to 340 degrees at 8 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA306 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Zephryhills, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Zephyrhills Muni (ZPH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
DRIFTER
- N-number
- N1694P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.