BUSHCADDY EXPLORER R N335BE accident near Charleston, West Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in a crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent landing gear collapse.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane at the end of an uneventful cross-country flight. During the landing roll the airplane “weathervane[d]” into the prevailing left crosswind, and then began to swerve as the pilot made corrections with inputs to the rudder and ailerons. The airplane continued to swerve, resulting in a ground loop to the left. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing subsequently struck the runway, resulting in substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA356 for the full record.