Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA193

Palmer, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N92544

PIPER PA 12

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, he added full power, applied right rudder, and "pushed [the] stick forward to lift [the] tail off the ground." He added that the tail came back onto the ground and that the airplane veered to the right. He further added that he overcorrected to the left and that the airplane ground looped; subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and elevator impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff he added full power, applied right rudder, and "pushed [the] stick forward to lift [the] tail off the ground". He added that the tail came back onto the ground and the airplane veered to the right. He further added that he overcorrected to the left and the airplane ground looped; subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing and elevator impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a ground loop.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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