Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said that he was practicing his takeoffs and landings on runway 22L and the wind was from 160 at 10 knots. The airplane touched down and bounced, and then the pilot transitioned the airplane to a three-point landing. The pilot reported that the wind lifted up the left wing. He attempted to correct; however, the tailwheel was not yet on the ground. The airplane veered to the left and the right main landing gear collapsed. A witness reported the airplane bounced when it landed, and then it ground-looped, collapsing the right main landing gear.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA143 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 20, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Falcon Field (FFZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
North American AT-6C
- N-number
- N76BZ
- 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.