On June 20, 2007, a Luscombe 8A (registration N45468) was involved in an aviation accident near London, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane and the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collision with a taxiway sign. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel aircraft ground looped during landing on runway 27 with a right crosswind, departing the runway and striking a taxiway sign.
Accident Overview
A tailwheel aircraft experienced a ground loop during landing on runway 27, a 4,001-foot by 75-foot asphalt runway. The pilot reported a right-hand crosswind at the time. After touchdown, the airplane turned to the right, departed the runway, and struck a taxiway sign.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that upon touchdown, "contact came before alignment was complete" and the airplane turned to the right. The pilot said he "overcompensated and got into an oscillation" and the airplane ground looped. In his accident report, the pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by performing a go-around.
Weather Conditions
Wind conditions reported at an airport located 15 nautical miles east of the accident site were 350 degrees at 8 knots.