Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after landing on Runway 19, a crosswind caused the airplane to drift to the right. He applied left rudder to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline. The left turn accelerated into a ground loop. Subsequently the right main landing gear failed, the right wing tip contacted the runway, and the right wing spar was bent. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA162 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 21, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jackson, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N3920Z
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.