Amateur-built HATZ CLASSIC N687HZ accident near Ennis, Montana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll which resulted in a ground-loop.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped, experimental amateur-built airplane, reported that during the landing roll he decreased the airplane’s speed to exit the runway, but a ground loop ensued. He did not recall whether he inadvertently applied the heel brakes, or if the airplane encountered a wind gust. The meteorological aerodrome report located at the accident airport about the time of the accident reported that, the wind was out of 130° and the wind velocity was 4 knots. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the bottom left wing spar. 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 WPR23LA354 for the full record.