Aviation Accident Summary NYC00LA173

ROCHESTER, NH, USA

Aircraft #1

N162V

Fleet 16B

Analysis

The airplane touched down on the runway, slowed to approximately 20 mph, and then ground looped to the left. During the event, the airplane stayed on the runway. The pilot then taxied the airplane to the hangar. An external examination of the airplane revealed only minor damage to the left wing, but an internal inspection showed that the wooden-wing spar had cracked. The pilot made no mention of any mechanical problems, and reported the wind as 250 degrees magnetic at 6 knots with no gust. The pilot had approximately 3,355 hours of total flight experience, 125 hours in tailwheel-equipped airplanes, and 1 hour in the accident airplane make and model.

Factual Information

On June 19, 2000, at 1900 Eastern Daylight Time, a Fleet 16B, N162V, was substantially damage during landing, when it ground-looped at the Skyhaven Airport, Rochester, New Hampshire. The certificated airline transport pilot and pilot rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight. No flight plan was filed, and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the airplane touched down on the runway, slowed to approximately 20 mph, and then ground looped to the left. During the event, the airplane stayed on the runway. The pilot then taxied the airplane to the hangar. An external examination of the airplane revealed only minor damage to the left wing, but an internal inspection showed that the wooden-wing spar had cracked. The pilot made no mention of any mechanical problems, and reported the wind as 250 degrees magnetic at 6 knots with no gust. The pilot had approximately 3,355 hours of total flight experience, 125 hours in tailwheel-equipped airplanes, and 1 hour in the accident airplane make and model.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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