Amateur-built KFA SAFARI XL N927MD accident near Saratoga, Wyoming

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the left wing was lifted by a wind gust, and the airplane began to veer to the left. Despite the pilot’s left flaperon input and application of right rudder, the airplane ground looped to the left. Subsequently, the right wing contacted the runway and the landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 05, with the winds from 330° at 3 knots gusting 14 Knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA248 for the full record.