Pilot Debrief

THORP T18 near Lake Elmo, MN — 2025-07-06

Final reportCEN25LA246
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Date
2025-07-06
Location
Lake Elmo, MN, USA
Airport
21D
Aircraft
THORP T18
Registration
N18CH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the go-around, that resulted in the tailwheel impacting a taxiway sign, a subsequent loss of control due to the damaged tailwheel, and a runway excursion during the landing.

NTSB narrative

After the completion of the local area flight, the pilot maneuvered the airplane for the approach to the runway. The airplane was not oriented with the runway during approach, so the pilot applied full engine power to perform a go-around. During the go-around, the tailwheel impacted a taxiway sign, and the tailwheel sustained damage. The pilot completed the go-around and landed on the runway. During the landing, there was no tailwheel control due to the previous impact damage from the taxiway sign, and the airplane departed the runway to the right. The airplane came to rest upright on a grass field near the runway. The pilot was able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the underside of the empennage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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