No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Crosswind Landing Roll

San Angelo, TX, United States

On August 2, 2017, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402 B operated by USDA/ARS was involved in an aviation accident near San Angelo, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions. 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 a crosswind landing, a tailwheel airplane experienced an uncommanded right turn, ground looped, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot applied left brake and rudder but the turn continued.

Accident Details

A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage during a landing roll in crosswind conditions. The aircraft veered to the right in an uncommanded slow turn, eventually ground looping. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The left wing suffered substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the airplane began an un-commanded slow turn to the right during the landing roll. He applied left brake and left rudder inputs, but the airplane continued turning right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right, causing the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to impact the ground. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Information

The automated weather observation system at the airport reported, approximately 10 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 90 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot had landed on runway 36.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Aug 2017 AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402 B accident near San Angelo, TX?

During a crosswind landing, a tailwheel airplane experienced an uncommanded right turn, ground looped, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot applied left brake and rudder but the turn continued.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Aug 2017 AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402 B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Aug 2017 involved an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402 B, operated by USDA/ARS, at San Angelo, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.