Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing with wind gusts, which resulted in a ground loop and collision with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing a tailwheel airplane, a gust of wind pushed the tail to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with rudder and differential braking; however, the airplane ground looped to the left and veered off the left side of the runway impacting a fence and substantially damaging the left wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA284 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 22, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Red Lodge, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Red Lodge (RED)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing A75N1
- N-number
- N53132
- 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.