Pilot Debrief

ROWE DENNIS A HIGHLANDER near Bluefield, WV — 2021-04-10

Final reportERA21LA182
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Date
2021-04-10
Location
Bluefield, WV, USA
Airport
BLF
Aircraft
ROWE DENNIS A HIGHLANDER
Registration
N257DR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the amateur-built, experimental, tailwheel airplane stated that during a cross-country flight, he diverted due to stronger than expected headwinds. He added that the touchdown on the runway at the diversion airport was normal until the airplane veered left after being struck by a strong gust of wind. The pilot attempted to correct with full right brake and full right rudder, but the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing contacted the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot also reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The recorded wind at the airport, about 30 minutes after the accident, was a direct left crosswind at 8 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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