Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18 near Aspen, CO — 2010-08-11

Final reportCEN10LA472
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Date
2010-08-11
Location
Aspen, CO, USA
Airport
ASE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18
Registration
N350CC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was taking off on runway 33. As the tail started coming off the ground, the plane veered off to the left and "accelerated into a typical ground loop." After the accident, four witnesses approached the pilot and told him that right after he added power, the wind sock swung around into a 90-degree crosswind and that a strong gust moved across the field. The pilot said that age was slowly "having its effect," and was slowing his reaction time.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have waited longer for the storm to move farther west.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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