On June 18, 1995, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N1967M) was involved in an aviation accident near Helena, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CROSSWIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a checkout flight, a tailwheel airplane veered left after a crosswind landing and groundlooped, causing the lower right wing panel to strike the runway. Both pilots attempted corrective action.
Incident Overview
An ATP-rated pilot-in-command was conducting a checkout for the owner, who held a private pilot certificate. During a touch-and-go landing, the owner was at the controls. The airplane touched down with the left main landing gear first in a crosswind, then veered sharply to the left.
Pilot Response and Sequence of Events
The pilot-in-command took over the controls, and both pilots attempted corrective action. Despite their efforts, the airplane continued veering to the left as the tailwheel lock disengaged. During the ensuing groundloop, the lower right wing panel impacted the runway.
Aircraft Damage
The incident resulted in damage to the lower right wing panel from the runway contact.