Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, he made a normal wheel landing and as he was about to lower the tailwheel, the airplane veered to the right. He attempted to correct with left rudder control, but the airplane ground looped. The pilot opined that the airplane may have been caught by a wind gust, which started an oscillation that he was not able to correct for. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA289 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 25, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bozeman, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl (BZN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108-1
- N-number
- N8844K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.