According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped Great Lakes biplane, he was unable to determine the wind direction during his approach to the airport in Dayton, Ohio.
He circled the airport multiple times and attempted to communicate on the common advisory traffic frequency.
During the landing roll on the runway, the biplane experienced an “unexpected turn to the left similar to being weathercocked,” according to the pilot.
The biplane left the left side of the runway and continued across descending terrain before it nosed over. The plane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the rudder.
The METAR nearest to the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 16 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA019
This October 2017 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
If he circled the airport several times was there no
windsock? to indicate the wind direction.
He didn’t comment on the AWOS, whether he attempted to receive it or if it was out of service. From Google maps, the airport does appear to have surrounding terrain which could cause problems and is worth considering for any landing while approaching. There’s a treeline to the left about the first 1700ft and what looks like an old quarry well below runway level – then it’s basically open fields on the left at runway level, so unexpected winds could certainly suddenly occur during rollout. Reaffirms the concept of flying it to the tie-down. Glad he was ok. (first general aviation airport I’ve ever seen with a road, N Valley Rd, passing underneath the runway).