Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare during touchdown and failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
As the pilot maneuvered the airplane into a flare, its tail wheel touched down on the runway surface. The pilot applied full power in an effort to abort the landing. The resulting torque from the power increase led to the airplane's nose veering to the left. The airplane ground looped to the left leaving the runway surface. The wings both impacted the ground and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA370 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wendover, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Wendover Airport (ENV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VANS RV-4
- N-number
- N202CL
- 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.