Aircraft ground loop following excessive control inputs during landing

Casualties unknown • Boulder, CO, US

A pilot experienced a ground loop after applying aggressive rudder and aileron corrections while attempting to maintain the runway centerline during landing.

What happened

The pilot performed a 3-point landing on runway 8. During the landing roll, wind conditions were estimated to be between 270 and 300 degrees at 6 to 9 knots. As the aircraft landed, the wind caught the upwind wing, causing the airplane to drift left of the runway centerline.

In an attempt to correct the drift, the pilot applied opposite aileron and rudder, which he described as being done "somewhat excessively." As the aircraft returned toward the centerline, the pilot applied left rudder with similar excess. This caused the airplane to veer to the left, prompting the pilot to apply right rudder aggressively. The resulting swerve to the right imposed significant side loads on the landing gear, causing the left tire to separate from the wheel rim and resulting in a ground loop.

At the time of the accident, the pilot had logged 4 hours in the aircraft type within the previous 90 days, three of which were completed with an instructor. The accident flight marked the pilot's first flight as pilot-in-command of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive and aggressive use of rudder and aileron inputs while attempting to correct for wind effects during the landing roll led to a ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-10-12 Piper PA-18-135 accident near Boulder, CO?

A pilot experienced a ground loop after applying aggressive rudder and aileron corrections while attempting to maintain the runway centerline during landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-10-12 involved a Piper PA-18-135, registration N9967Q, operated by Dakota Ridge Aviation, at Boulder, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive and aggressive use of rudder and aileron inputs while attempting to correct for wind effects during the landing roll led to a ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06882. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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