On 1 Sep 2011, a TAYLORCRAFT DCO-65 was involved in an aviation accident near Higginsville, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his failure to maintain clearance from trees during the attempted aborted landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that during landing, wind lifted the left wing of a tailwheel airplane, initiating a ground loop. The pilot aborted the landing but struck trees. Wind at a nearby airport was 14 knots, 50 degrees right of runway heading.
Incident Overview
During a landing attempt, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that wind lifted the left wing. As the wing moved downward, a ground loop began and the airplane started to depart the right side of the runway. Observing terrain obstructions, the pilot elected to abort the landing and applied engine power. He attempted to clear a row of trees but the airplane struck them and fell to the ground.
Meteorological Conditions
The reported wind at an airport located about 22 miles south of the accident site was recorded as 14 knots with a direction 50 degrees right of the runway heading.
Aircraft and Damage
The pilot noted no anomalies with the airplane. Damage consisted of bending of the left wing.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedAttain/maintain not possible