Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll as the tailwheel was almost in contact with the ground, the airplane started to veer to the right. He attempted to correct to the left but lost directional control, and the airplane ground looped to the left.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to its right wing and firewall.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 340° at 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot landed on runway 23.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA220 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bessimer, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Bessemer (EKY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built F-1 ROCKET
- N-number
- N3839Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2010
- 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.