THOMAS B MCGRATH JA30 SUPERSTOL
Chesterfield, MO — April 24, 2017
Event Information
| Date | April 24, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA246 |
| Event ID | 20170427X51522 |
| Location | Chesterfield, MO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.65972, -90.64694 |
| Airport | SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | THOMAS B MCGRATH |
| Model | JA30 SUPERSTOL |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after several attempts to land, the wind had changed to a more favorable direction and "[he] was confident in [landing] the plane". He added that the approach was uneventful, but during the landing roll "a cross wind started pushing the aircraft and tail left". Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left wing aileron and right wing rear spar.
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 airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 180° at 10 knots. The pilot landed on runway 8L.
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.