Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a wind gust and subsequently veered off the runway to the left. The pilot overcorrected to the right, and the airplane ground looped to the left.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the automated weather observation system indicated that the wind was from 270° at 10 knots. The airplane landed on runway 34.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA449 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 22, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atchison, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Amelia Earhart (K59)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CHRISTEN EAGLE II
- N-number
- N304DR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1981
- 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.