Stinson 108 N9277K accident near Valparaiso, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, as the tail came down, a "sizable gust weathervaned" the airplane to the left. He added that, he "made aggressive inputs to correct the direction" but was unsuccessful. He further added that, once the airplane veered off the runway and into the grass, he could feel the mains begin to sink into the soft ground. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift struts and empennage.

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

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 16 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 170° at 9 knots. The airplane landed on runway 18.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA153 for the full record.