NORTH AMERICAN SNJ
Van Nuys, CA — April 20, 2017
Event Information
| Date | April 20, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA242 |
| Event ID | 20170424X30607 |
| Location | Van Nuys, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.21333, -118.49055 |
| Airport | VAN NUYS |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | NORTH AMERICAN |
| Model | SNJ |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that as the tailwheel was contacting the ground, a "sudden gust of wind" lifted the right wing and the airplane weathervaned to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and exited the right side of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system on the accident airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 270° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 16.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.