Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident were gusts and crosswinds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he encountered gusting crosswind conditions during a landing in a Cessna 150 with a tailwheel conversion. The pilot could not maintain directional control of the airplane. The airplane ground looped and the right wing contacted terrain. The right wing, right lift strut and fuselage were substantially damaged.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 7, 1997, at 1010 mountain daylight time, N8093F, a Cessna 150F with a tail wheel conversion, operated by the owner/pilot, ground looped during landing rollout in Plains, Montana, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from Helena, Montana, the pilot encountered gusting wind conditions during a landing on runway 30 at the Plains Airport. The airplane ground looped and the right wing contacted terrain. The right wing, right lift strut and fuselage were substantially damaged. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. -