On January 19, 1991, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71745) operated by Tom Kanonchoff was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control during the landing roll on runway 30L at Bakersfield due to inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions, resulting in a ground loop and collapsed left main landing gear.
What happened
The pilot was cleared to land on runway 30L at Bakersfield (BFL). Surface winds were recorded from 080 degrees at 4 knots. During the landing roll, the pilot failed to properly compensate for the existing wind conditions. This loss of directional control caused the airplane to inadvertently ground loop. The left main landing gear collapsed during the ground loop.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical damage sustained during the incident. The primary finding was the collapse of the left main landing gear as a direct result of the ground loop event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Jan 1991 Luscombe 8A accident near Bakersfield, CA?
A pilot lost directional control during the landing roll on runway 30L at Bakersfield due to inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions, resulting in a ground loop and collapsed left main landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jan 1991 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N71745, operated by Tom Kanonchoff, at Bakersfield, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.
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