Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The airplane veered to the right during the landing roll in calm winds and after the tailwheel was lowered to the runway pavement. Attempts by the pilot to correct back to the left were unsuccessful, which resulted in a ground loop to the right and substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Post accident examination of the airplane’s tailwheel assembly, rudder controls and associated rudder cables revealed no anomalies which would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA472 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 28, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fresno, California
- Nearest airport
- Fresno Yosemite International (FAT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
American Legend Aircraft Co. AL3
- N-number
- N18MK
- 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.