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Tailwheel Airplane Noses Over During Landing in Gusty Wind

Compton, CA, United States

On January 15, 2017, an AERONCA 7AC was involved in an aviation accident near Compton, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain runway alignment during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an off-runway landing in soft dirt and a nose-over. 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

A tailwheel airplane drifted left on short final in gusting wind, landed left of the runway in soft dirt, and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing lift struts.

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during short final approach in gusting wind conditions, the airplane drifted left. The airplane subsequently landed to the left of the runway in soft dirt and nosed over. The landing was on runway 7R. The pilot reported that about 10 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was reported as light and variable at the airport.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift struts.

Contributing factors

Causes

Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeResponse/compensation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 2017 AERONCA 7AC accident near Compton, CA?

A tailwheel airplane drifted left on short final in gusting wind, landed left of the runway in soft dirt, and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing lift struts.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jan 2017 AERONCA 7AC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 2017 involved an AERONCA 7AC, at Compton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain runway alignment during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an off-runway landing in soft dirt and a nose-over.

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