North American SNJ
San Antonio, TX — May 8, 2020
Event Information
| Date | May 8, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN20CA176 |
| Event ID | 20200508X55730 |
| Location | San Antonio, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 29.72333, -98.69444 |
| Airport | Boerne Stage Field Airport |
| 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 loss of directional control while landing a tailwheel airplane in gusty wind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he had just completed a landing in a tailwheel equipped airplane, and he noticed the wind began to shift. He then elected to conduct another wheel landing. The pilot stated he landed on runway 17, on centerline, and that as he lowered the tail, the airplane experienced a strong pull to the right. He was unable to keep the airplane from departing the runway and as he reduced the throttle, the airplane entered a ground loop.
The airplane's right main landing gear collapsed, and the wing and propeller struck the ground. Substantial damaged was noted to the right wing. A review of the weather conditions about the time of the accident noted wind at 330° at 3 kts, and 20 minutes later, the wind was reported as 360° at 11 kts with gusts to 17 kts.
The accident is consistent with the pilot's loss of control during landing.
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.