HOLLISTER, CA, USA
N6979C
North American AT-6D
During landing flare on runway 24 the pilot encountered a wind gust and touched down hard on the runway. Thereafter, he lost control and ground looped. During the mishap the left wing contacted the runway and broke. No mechanical malfunctions were reportedly experienced. The pilot reported the wind was from 260 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 20 knots.
On April 17, 1999, at 1900 hours Pacific daylight time, a North American AT-6D, N6979C, registered to California Warbirds, Inc., Cupertino, California, ground looped during landing rollout on runway 24 at the uncontrolled Hollister Municipal Airport, Hollister, California. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local area personal flight performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor the passenger was injured. The flight originated from Hollister about 1830. On April 21, 1999, the pilot reported the accident to the National Transportation Safety Board. The pilot stated that he landed hard on the runway, lost control, and ground looped. The left wing contacted the runway and broke. The pilot subsequently indicated that during his landing flare a wind gust "caught" his right wing. The pilot also indicated that no malfunctions were experienced with the airplane during the flight.
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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