Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing rollout, the airplane encountered a strong wind gust and subsequently veered to the right. The pilot applied corrective control inputs; however, the airplane ground looped, and the left wing contacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage. Reported wind conditions 21 minutes prior to the accident were variable at 6 kts and wind conditions 39 minutes after the accident were from 280° at 4 knots.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 21, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Falcon Field (FFZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing A75N1
- N-number
- N5045V
- 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.