Probable cause
A ground loop during landing resulting from a partial separation of the right main landing gear strut during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, after takeoff in the vintage tailwheel-equipped biplane, he was notified via radio that the right main landing gear was partially separated from the airframe. The pilot, returned to the airport and during landing, he continued to fly the airplane down the runway with the right main landing gear in the air until the airplane decelerated and settled onto the turf runway. Once the airplane slowed, it “ground loop[ed]” and came to rest on the nose, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the inner strut had separated from the outer strut but remained partially attached.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA345 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 20, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Warrenton, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Flying Circus Aerodrome (3VA3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Waco UPF-7
- N-number
- N39721
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1942
- 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.