Amateur-built S7 STI N323SF accident near Greenwater, Washington

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that while in the airport traffic pattern, they observed the directly down runway 33. They conducted a three-point landing and during the landing roll, the airplane experienced a wind gust from the side, which pushed the airplane to the left. Subsequently, the left main landing gear tire exited the runway surface and the airplane ground looped. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and right flaperon.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 33, with reported wind from 330° at 15 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA261 for the full record.