Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, while landing with a "slight cross wind," 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 airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed on runway 19.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 8, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairhope, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- H L Sonny Callahan (CQF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Waco YKS 7
- N-number
- N17473
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1937
- 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.