Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA469

San Angelo, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N38HT

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, the airplane began an uncommanded slow right turn. He added that he applied left brake and left rudder, but the airplane continued to turn right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 90° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36.

Factual Information

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, the airplane began an un-commanded slow turn to the right. He added that he applied left brake and left rudder, but the airplane continued to the right. Subsequently the airplane ground looped to the right, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system on the airport reported, about 10 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 90° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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