Piper PA-22-160 N9019D accident near Page, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing approach he felt a right-rear quartering wind gust. Upon touchdown, the airplane was difficult to control with a tendency to veer to the right. While attempting to correct back to runway centerline, the airplane ground looped to the right. During the ground loop the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the runway surface. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 33 with wind from 220°, variable between 180° to260° at 11 knots, gusting 21 knots.

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 WPR25LA206 for the full record.