Pilot Debrief

NORTH AMERICAN SNJ near Van Nuys, CA — 2017-04-20

Final reportGAA17CA242
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Date
2017-04-20
Location
Van Nuys, CA, USA
Airport
VNY
Aircraft
NORTH AMERICAN SNJ
Registration
N7969C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, as the tailwheel was contacting the ground, a "sudden gust of wind" lifted the right wing and that the airplane weather-vaned 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 preaccident 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 that the wind was from 270° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 16.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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