Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing roll, he let “the control column go to a neutral position” after touchdown, and a gust of wind raised the left wing. The airplane veered off the runway to the right, subsequently colliding with a windsock and 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 WPR23LA014 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 15, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Petaluma, California
- Nearest airport
- Petaluma Muni (O69)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing A75N1(PT17)
- N-number
- N42PT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1942
- 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.