Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was returning from a local area flight to a neighboring airport and he was aware that a crosswind existed for the landing. During the landing roll out, the airplane started to fishtail and the pilot attempted to execute a go-around by applying full power. When the airplane reached an airspeed of about 40-45 mph it encountered a gust of wind from the left side, which lifted the left wing and caused the airplane to veer to the right side of the runway. The airplane then ground looped. The ground loop resulted in damage to the main landing gear attach points and to the fuselage structure. The pilot did not report experiencing any mechanical malfunction with the airplane during the accident flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA399 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- El Cajon, California
- Nearest airport
- Gillespie Field Airport (SEE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 11CC
- N-number
- N4385E
- 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.