Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing rollout, he encountered a gusting right crosswind that lifted the right wing. As the airplane weathervaned to the right, the pilot applied left rudder input, but was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane veered off the runway to the right and subsequently ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA179 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- North Las Vegas, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- North Las Vegas (VGT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
VANS ACFT RV-8
- N-number
- N83SE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.