VanDenburg Pietenpol Air Camper near Gwinn, MI — 2011-06-25

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly veered to the right. The pilot reported that he overcorrected for the right veer, which resulted in a ground loop to the left, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The firewall and fuselage were substantially damaged during the accident. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. He further noted that the accident could have been prevented had he used smaller control inputs in response to the initial veer to the right.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Use smaller control inputs in response to the initial veer to the right.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Weather Reportsreport

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