Aviat Aircraft Inc A 1 N335SB accident near Cody, Wyoming

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he landed on the asphalt surface of runway 4 with full flaps and about 40 knots airspeed. The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, a wind gust struck the airplane's left side, the airplane ground looped to the left, and the right-wing strut collided with the 7,000-ft runway distance marker.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing strut and the wing spar.

The METAR at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 020° at 9 knots. No wind gusts were reported at the time of the accident.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA512 for the full record.