Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during a flight with a check pilot, while landing in crosswind conditions, the tailwheel-equipped biplane veered left. The pilot overcorrected with right rudder, and the biplane ground looped to the right.
The biplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 7 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 28R.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA286 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Eden Prairie, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Flying Cloud (FCM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing A75N1(PT17)
- N-number
- N63794
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1942
- 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.