Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the amateur-built, experimental, tailwheel airplane stated that during a cross-country flight, he diverted due to stronger than expected headwinds. He added that the touchdown on the runway at the diversion airport was normal until the airplane veered left after being struck by a strong gust of wind. The pilot attempted to correct with full right brake and full right rudder, but the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing contacted the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot also reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The recorded wind at the airport, about 30 minutes after the accident, was a direct left crosswind at 8 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA182 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 10, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bluefield, West Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Mercer County Airport (BLF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
HIGHLANDER
- N-number
- N257DR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2020
- 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.