Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
During the landing roll on runway 17 in the tail-wheel equipped airplane, the pilot encountered a gust of wind from the right. The airplane began to weather vane to the right and veered off the runway despite the pilot's control inputs, substantially damaging the airplane's left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. The weather observation station located at the airport reported shortly after the accident winds from 220 degrees at 10 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA328 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 5, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gig Harbor, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing A75N1
- N-number
- N1431C
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.