Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings in the tail wheel equipped airplane. He reported that the wind direction changed to a quartering tailwind after the airplane touched down. The pilot stated that he then lost directional control of the airplane and did not believe he had sufficient engine power to recover. During the accident sequence the left main landing gear failed and the airplane ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA289 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nampa, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Nampa Municipal Airport (S67)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150
- N-number
- N5504E
- 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.