Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, impact with a ditch, and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions, the airplane veered off the runway to the left, impacted an irrigation ditch, and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left lift strut.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
According to the pilot, the weather at the time of the accident was wind variable at 5-7 knots, and wind gusts 10 knots. The airplane landed on runway 25.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA270 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 29, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mack, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Mack Mesa (10CO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Rainbow Sky Reach (Pty) Ltd BUSHCAT
- N-number
- N273BC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2015
- 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.