Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a ground-loop, and substantial damage to the right wing and wing strut.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane, during the fourth landing roll of the day, the airplane "fish tailed" to the right and he was not able to maintain directional control. The airplane ground looped to the left on the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed and the lower right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right wing and wing strut.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA049 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 14, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carlsbad, California
- Nearest airport
- Mc Clellan-Palomar (CRQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Curtiss Wright Travel Air
- N-number
- N9872
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1929
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.