Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, he encountered a crosswind gust from the right. Subsequently, the airplane swerved off the runway to the right and ground looped. During the ground loop, the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage.
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported on the National Transportation Safety Board Accident/ Incident Report Form 6120.1, the wind direction was variable at 8 to 9 knots, with gusts at 2 to 5 knots. The destination airport was not equipped with an automated weather observation system.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA366 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grants Pass, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Grants Pass (3S8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Helio H 295
- N-number
- N9185Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.