Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate crosswind compensation and failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.
NTSB analysis
Following an uneventful commercial air tour sightseeing flight in the 1928 model biplane, the pilot returned to the departure airport and prepared for landing on runway 24. The pilot stated that during his approach, air traffic control tower personal reported that the wind was from 180 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot compensated for the wind by initiating a crab, and he landed on the runway. During the landing rollout the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane's lower right wing impacted the runway as the airplane suddenly reversed direction and ground looped to a stop.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carlsbad, California
- Nearest airport
- Mcclellan-Palomar (CRQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Travel Air 4000
- N-number
- N4418
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
Other records under this N-number
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.