On April 17, 2001, a North American AT-6D (registration N1364N) operated by North American-top Gun Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Destin, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the flight instructor to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing rollout while landing with a crosswind in gusty conditions, which resulted in a ground swerve, and the aircraft exiting the runway and incurring substantial… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing approach, a wind gust caused the aircraft to weather vane and exit the runway into loose sand, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Description
A flight instructor reported that during the approach to land, just prior to touchdown with the main landing gear, the aircraft encountered wind gusts. As the tail of the aircraft began to settle, a gust from the right front quarter caused the aircraft to weather vane to the right. The instructor applied corrective control input, but stated that insufficient control authority was available to arrest the excursion.
Instructor's Account
The aircraft exited the runway to the right and entered loose sand, resulting in substantial damage. The instructor further stated that prior to the accident there had been no malfunction or failure of the aircraft or any of its systems.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the runway excursion.