Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he encountered a gusting left crosswind. He was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane veered off the runway to the left. The airplane subsequently collided with a drainage ditch and nosed over coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA269 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Angel Fire, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Angel Fire Airport (KAXX)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
T-18 TIGER
- N-number
- N926WM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.