Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a quartering tailwind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while departing from a dirt road, the airplane “may have encountered a quartering tailwind” and veered to the left. While attempting to correct back to the road, the airplane exited to the left side of the road, ground looped, and struck a fence post which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
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 WPR24LA246 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grady, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N1000Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- 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.