Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gust and failure to maintain directional control while landing.
NTSB analysis
While making a three-point landing in his tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot encountered a strong crosswind gust about the same time that he was initiating the landing flare. Because the pilot was unable to compensate for the wind gust, the airplane touched down with its right main landing gear beyond the right edge of the runway. The pilot saw that the airplane was approaching a runway sign, so he added power in order to execute a go-around, but the right wing impacted the sign before he could get it airborne. Immediately after the airplane impacted the sign, the pilot cut the power and aborted the go-around. The airplane's right wing and its fuselage both sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no problems with any of the airplane's control systems. The reported wind conditions included wind gusts up to 18 knots at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA300 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 20, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Olympia, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Olympia (KOLM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
AT-6A
- N-number
- N9793Z
- 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.