Classic Aircraft Corp WACO N96T accident near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a left quartering headwind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after a three-point landing, the airplane began to "shudder" and veered left. He corrected by applying forward pressure to the control stick and right rudder, and the airplane's tailwheel raised off the runway, and the airplane regained the runway heading. As the airspeed decreased, the tailwheel touched down on the runway, and the airplane shuddered and veered left again. He corrected with right rudder, left brake and aileron, but the airplane ground looped to the left, and the main landing gear collapsed.

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 added that, about 1 hour before the accident, the wind was from 340º at 12 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The airport's automated weather observation system reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 340° at 8 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 5.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA434 for the full record.