Casualties unknown

1990-02-06: Bellanca 7KCAB (N11641) — John F. Taylor — Burlington, CO

Burlington, CO, US

On February 6, 1990, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N11641) operated by John F. Taylor was involved in an aviation accident near Burlington, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE DUAL STUDENT TO CORRECT A GROUND LOOP SWERVE DURING TAKEOFF GROUND RUN. INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE CFI WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a takeoff with a student, a tailwheel airplane swerved left. After the tail wheel lifted, the airplane turned hard left, struck a snow bank, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Accident Sequence

According to the certified flight instructor (CFI) who was present, the dual student was performing a takeoff. During the initial ground roll, the airplane deviated to the left, but the CFI reported that he was able to correct that swerve. As the airplane continued its takeoff roll and the tail wheel lifted off the ground, the airplane suddenly turned hard left. The CFI stated that he was unable to regain directional control before the airplane struck a snow bank that was situated on the left side of the runway. The collision caused the airplane to pitch forward onto its nose and then invert, coming to rest upside down.

Aircraft and Operational Context

The aircraft involved was a tailwheel-type airplane, and it was being used for dual instructional purposes. The specific make, model, and registration of the airplane were not provided in the source. Similarly, no details about the location, date, or time of the event were given. The runway surface was described as having a snow bank adjacent to it.

Pilot Roles

The flight deck consisted of a dual student who was handling the controls during the takeoff, and a CFI who was supervising and intervening as necessary. The CFI's account is the only reported description of the sequence of events.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.