Pilot Debrief

NORTH AMERICAN SNJ-5 near Merritt Island, FL — 2009-01-16

Final reportERA09CA135
Sign in to save
Date
2009-01-16
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
Airport
COI
Aircraft
NORTH AMERICAN SNJ-5
Registration
N7861B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing in windy conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was landing on runway 29 at his destination airport. The winds were from 350 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 18 knots. During the landing rollout, he lost directional control and the airplane ground-looped. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway and impacted a taxiway location sign. The airplane came to rest on the right side of the runway, approximately 1,250 feet from the threshold. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing, both main landing gear, and the propeller. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

Related mishaps