What happened
The pilot was operating a specialized high-wing aircraft equipped with large, low-pressure tires designed for unimproved surfaces. The flight concluded with an attempt to land on a remote gravel bar situated adjacent to a river. During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer sharply to the right. Despite control inputs, the pilot was unable to maintain directional stability, resulting in a ground loop to the right. The left wing and horizontal stabilizer sustained damage upon striking the ground.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft had been equipped with Tundra tires, which are typically used for operations on rough or soft terrain. The landing surface was a gravel bar, providing an uneven and potentially unstable rollout environment. No mechanical failures were reported prior to the loss of control.
Findings
The pilot noted a tailwind component after the accident occurred. Specifically, wind conditions were assessed as approximately 4 to 5 knots coming from the right rear quarter relative to the aircraft's heading. This wind direction likely contributed to the directional instability during the critical landing phase on the unprepared surface.
Safety message
Operations on remote gravel bars require careful attention to wind direction and speed. Tailwinds, even light ones, can significantly reduce directional control authority during the landing roll, especially when combined with uneven surfaces.