AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC S 2C near Rutland, VT — 2014-10-28

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent substantial damage to the airplane.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he overflew the runway, observed the windsock, and elected to perform a left quartering headwind landing. The approach and landing on runway 19 was "uneventful" and during the landing roll, the pilot applied left aileron and used both rudder pedals to maintain directional control. Then, the airplane began to veer to the left and "ground looped." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder during the accident sequence. The pilot further reported that a mechanic indicated that the "tailwheel may be broken" which may have contributed to the ground loop. A postaccident examination revealed that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 120 degrees at 16 knots gusting to 23 knots.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 6 docket documents

Docket documents6

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Memorandum of Record - FAA Inspectorother
• Memorandum of Record - Weather Observationsother
• Photo 1 - Airplane at Rest (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photo 2 - Substantial Damage (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Airport Accident Reportreport

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