Kerrville, TX, USA
N530AK
PIPER PA18
The pilot reported that, based on the wind reported by the destination airport's AWOS, he decided to conduct a conventional, full-stall, three-point landing. He said the approach was normal and stabilized. When the airplane was about 1 ft above the runway, a wind gust pushed the airplane left. The left main landing gear contacted the runway, and the airplane drifted right. The left shock absorber broke, and the airplane swerved right. The tailwheel unlocked, and the airplane ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
. The private pilot was on a cross-country flight with one passenger. He stated that based on the wind reported by his destination airport's Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), he decided to make a conventional, full-stall, 3-point landing. He said he crossed mid-field and entered a left downwind for runway 30. The turn to base and final were normal. When the airplane was about a foot off the runway at stall speed, "an unexpected" wind gust pushed the airplane to the left. The left main landing gear contacted the runway, and the airplane drifted to the right. The left shock absorber broke, and the airplane swerved to the right. The tailwheel unlocked and the airplane ground looped. Damage included a bent left wing and left main landing gear. The pilot did not indicate the wind direction but said it was at 7 knots. AWOS reported that the wind was calm. The pilot did not indicate that there were any mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. He noted that the destination airport "has a reputation for gusty wind conditions . . . the gust caught me in a landing configuration where I was unable to maintain directional control at touchdown." The pilot stated that once the tailwheel turns about 15 to 20 degrees, it unlocks automatically and the tailwheel swivels. When the airplane began its turn and reached the point where the tailwheel unlocked, there is no tailwheel steering.
The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and ground-loop.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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