Wednesday, April 26, 2017

STOL JA30 Superstol, N614WB: Accident occurred April 24, 2017 at Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS), Chesterfield, St. Louis County, Missouri

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Ann, Missouri

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

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

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N614WB

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA246 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, April 24, 2017 in Chesterfield, MO
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/20/2017
Aircraft: THOMAS B MCGRATH JA30 SUPERSTOL, registration: N614WB
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.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after several attempts to land, the wind had changed to a more favorable direction and that “[he] was confident in [landing] the plane.” He added that the approach was uneventful but that, during the landing roll, “a cross wind started pushing the aircraft and tail left.” Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left wing aileron, and right wing rear spar.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system on the airport, about the time of the accident, reported that the wind was from 180° at 10 knots. The pilot landed on runway 8L.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after several attempts to land, the wind had changed to a more favorable direction and "[he] was confident in [landing] the plane". He added that the approach was uneventful, but during the landing roll "a cross wind started pushing the aircraft and tail left". Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left wing aileron and right wing rear spar.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.


The automated weather observation system on the airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 180° at 10 knots. The pilot landed on runway 8L.

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