North American SNJ N7969C accident near Van Nuys, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, as the tailwheel was contacting the ground, a "sudden gust of wind" lifted the right wing and that the airplane weather-vaned to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and exited the right side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.

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 accident airport, about the time of the accident, reported that the wind was from 270° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 16.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA242 for the full record.