Air Tractor AT 400A N400DQ accident near Parma, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in variable wind conditions, which resulted in the right wing impacting muddy terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the tail "lifted back up" due to a "wind gust" and that the airplane then veered left, spun, exited the runway, and the right wing impacted muddy terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported the wind was light and variable at 5 knots.

An automated weather observation station located about 15 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about 30 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 150° at 4 knots and that, about 30 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 120° at 5 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 30.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA163 for the full record.