GN-1 Aircamper, N437PT: Accident occurred April 23, 2016 in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, Florida

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Docket And Docket Items - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N437PT

NTSB Identification: GAA16CA239
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, April 23, 2016 in Defuniak Springs, FL
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/27/2016
Aircraft: LOGAN JERRY L GN 1 AIRCAMPER, registration: N437PT
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a crosswind gust and he applied right rudder. He reported that a subsequent wind gust lifted the right wing, triggering a ground loop to the right and the airplane exited the right side of the runway. He recalled that the airplane was headed for a water drainage catch basin and he decided to add full power, and attempt to fly out of the ground loop in an effort to avoid the catch basin. The right wheel of the airplane collided with the perimeter of the catch basin and the airplane spun to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut.

According to the nearest meteorological aerodrome report, 19 miles south, the wind about the time of the accident was variable at 3 knots. The pilot landed on runway 27.

The pilot reported that there were not any mechanical anomalies or malfunctions with any portion the airplane prior to the accident that would have prevented normal flight operations.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing in gusting crosswind conditions resulting in a runway excursion, and the pilot's failure to attain a positive climb rate during the aborted landing and subsequent ground collision.