Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land with a quartering tail wind, and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with a tree.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind, he lost directional control, departed the runway, and impacted a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA169 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 24, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Monticello, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Monticello Sky Ranch (GA06)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
American Legend Aircraft Co AL3
- N-number
- N127LC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.