Pilot Debrief

HEINLEIN GEORGE GH125 near Valkaria, FL — 2018-02-08

Final reportGAA18CA182
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Date
2018-02-08
Location
Valkaria, FL, USA
Airport
X59
Aircraft
HEINLEIN GEORGE GH125
Registration
N79GH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to exit the paved runway into soft terrain, which resulted in a ground loop and landing gear collapse.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he exited the runway as soon as possible due to student traffic in the pattern. The runway had no parallel taxiway, and he underestimated the softness of the terrain next to the runway. He added that the right main landing gear dug in, the airplane ground looped, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose-down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he should have stayed on the paved runway until reaching the taxiway exit.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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