Pilot Debrief

WACO UPF-7 near Warrenton, VA — 2023-08-20

Final reportERA23LA345
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Date
2023-08-20
Location
Warrenton, VA, USA
Airport
3VA3
Aircraft
WACO UPF-7
Registration
N39721
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A ground loop during landing resulting from a partial separation of the right main landing gear strut during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, after takeoff in the vintage tailwheel-equipped biplane, he was notified via radio that the right main landing gear was partially separated from the airframe. The pilot, returned to the airport and during landing, he continued to fly the airplane down the runway with the right main landing gear in the air until the airplane decelerated and settled onto the turf runway. Once the airplane slowed, it “ground loop[ed]” and came to rest on the nose, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the inner strut had separated from the outer strut but remained partially attached.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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