Pilot Debrief

LUSCOMBE 8A near Prescott, AZ — 2015-10-24

Final reportWPR16LA017
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Date
2015-10-24
Location
Prescott, AZ, USA
Airport
KPRC
Aircraft
LUSCOMBE 8A
Registration
N25100
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, and his inability to recover due to a malfunction of the tailwheel.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that, upon touching down in a three-point attitude, the airplane veered left. The pilot attempted to correct with rudder, but the airplane continued left and ground looped. Examination revealed that the tailwheel had rotated 180°, leaving its control chains crossed over one another. Under this condition, the tailwheel direction of movement would be opposite that commanded by the pilot. Further examination revealed that the tailwheel steering arms were bent upward, allowing the wheel to rotate past its travel stops and into the reversed condition. It is likely that, as the pilot initially lost control and the airplane began to ground loop, the wheel passed beyond its travel limits, causing the controls to become reversed, which made recovery unlikely.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected tailwheel before flight to ensure proper function.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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