Pilot Debrief

RONALD J MCLAUGHLIN BEARHAWK PATROL near Shearer, ID — 2024-08-28

Final reportWPR24LA292
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Date
2024-08-28
Location
Shearer, ID, USA
Airport
2U5
Aircraft
RONALD J MCLAUGHLIN BEARHAWK PATROL
Registration
N924LB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting to land at an airstrip within a canyon. The pilot overflew the runway twice; he first observed a right crosswind followed by a “limp” windsock during his second pass. The pilot then maneuvered through the canyon to land, encountering turbulence as he approached the runway. During the landing rollout, the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway despite the pilot’s rudder input. The right main landing gear hit a depression in the ground, the airplane then ground looped, and its left wingtip impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing. After the pilot exited the airplane, he noted there to be a “strong, direct tailwind” present. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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