Loss of control on ground: Piper PA-20 Pacer, N1491A, accident occurred on February 13, 2026, at Three Forks Airport (9S5), Three Forks, Montana

• Location: Three Forks, Montana 
• Accident Number: WPR26LA105 
• Date & Time: February 13, 2026, 15:42 Local 
• Registration: N1491A 
• Aircraft: Piper PA-20 
• Aircraft Damage: Substantial 
• Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
• Injuries: 1 None 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202448/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=202448

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind that lifted the left wing. While correcting, the airplane ground looped to the left and exited the left side of the runway. During the ground loop, the right wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, horizontal stabilizer and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident the airplane landed on runway 21 with a variable wind at 7 knots.

- Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional during the landing roll with a variable wind.