Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped biplane, he was unable to determine the wind direction during his approach. He circled the airport multiple times and attempted to communicate on the common advisory traffic frequency. During the landing roll on the runway, the biplane experienced an "unexpected turn to (the) left similar to being weathercocked." The biplane exited the left side of the runway and continued across descending terrain before it nosed over.
The METAR nearest to the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 16 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
The biplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA019 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 22, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dayton, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Greene County-Lewis A Jackson (I19)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Great Lakes 2T 1A 2
- N-number
- N7GL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1984
- 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.