Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty wind conditions that resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that upon arrival at the destination airport the reported wind conditions were variable wind at 10 knots gusting to 12 knots. The pilot reported that he performed a 3-point landing; on touch down, he was not able to maintain center line due to gusty southern crosswinds and the airplane ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
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 WPR23LA359 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 27, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Diego, California
- Nearest airport
- Gillespie Fld (SEE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108-1
- N-number
- N9128K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.