Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a grass runway, a wind gust pushed the airplane off the runway to the left. The right wing impacted a tree, and the airplane spun clockwise 180° before coming to rest.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was from 360° at 15 to 20 knots, gusting to greater than 20 knots. The airplane landed on runway 31.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA522 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 6, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Westminster, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Baylie (66XS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8
- N-number
- N1590K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.