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Tailwheel Airplane Wing Lifted by Gust, Main Landing Gear Collapses

Midland, TX, United States

On May 28, 2016, a LUSCOMBE 8 A was involved in an aviation accident near Midland, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground-loop, main landing gear collapse and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll, a wind gust lifted the right wing of a tailwheel airplane, leading to loss of control, terrain impact, and main landing gear collapse. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged.

Accident Details

A pilot operating a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the right wing "straight up into the air." The pilot attempted to regain control, but the airplane continued to the left and impacted terrain adjacent to the runway. The impact occurred in a side-load configuration, resulting in a collapse of the main landing gear. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

The airport's automated weather observing system recorded wind at 180 degrees true at 10 knots, gusting to 21 knots, around the time of the accident. The landing was conducted on runway 28.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 May 2016 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident near Midland, TX?

During landing roll, a wind gust lifted the right wing of a tailwheel airplane, leading to loss of control, terrain impact, and main landing gear collapse. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 May 2016 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 May 2016 involved a LUSCOMBE 8 A, at Midland, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground-loop, main landing gear collapse and collision with terrain.

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