Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA293

Canandaigua, NY, USA

Aircraft #1

N7046K

Piper PA 20

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the left wing raised, and the airplane "violently turned left." The pilot attempted to recover, but the airplane ground looped and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing lift strut, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the left wing raised and the airplane "violently turned left." The pilot attempted to recover, but the airplane ground looped and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing lift strut, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 11 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The nearest automated weather observation station, located 20 miles northwest, reported that, about 14 minutes after the accident, the wind was 230° at 3 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 31.

Probable Cause and Findings

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

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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