Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA16 near Muskegan, MI — 2011-09-11

Final reportCEN11LA642
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Date
2011-09-11
Location
Muskegan, MI, USA
Airport
MKG
Aircraft
PIPER PA16
Registration
N5383H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor's inability to apply remedial action due to the opposite corrective control inputs by the pilot.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was attempting to take off on an instructional flight when the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered and ground looped toward the right before it nosed over. The pilot stated that he did not apply left rudder soon enough to avoid the loss of directional control. The flight instructor stated that he attempted to apply corrective control input, but the pilot was applying opposite control input and did not reduce engine power as he was instructed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have applied left rudder sooner to prevent ground loop.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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