Tailwheel aircraft ground loop during takeoff at Talkeetna

Casualties unknown • Talkeetna, AK, US

A tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop and runway excursion during takeoff due to shifting crosswinds at Talkeetna.

What happened

During the takeoff roll on runway 36, the pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane encountered a left crosswind that fluctuated between a headwind and a tailwind. As these wind conditions shifted, the tail of the aircraft began to swing toward the right. This resulted in a ground loop to the left, causing the aircraft to run off the left edge of the runway.

As the aircraft exited the runway, the right main landing gear strut collapsed and the right wing made contact with the ground. The aircraft eventually came to rest partially elevated on its nose. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot.

Findings

The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the right wing, and the right landing gear attach point. Meteorological data from the Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) at Talkeetna at 1550 indicated winds were from 245 degrees at 10 knots.

Probable cause

A shifting left crosswind that varied between a headwind and a tailwind caused the aircraft to ground loop during the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-05-02 Cessna 180 accident near Talkeetna, AK?

A tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop and runway excursion during takeoff due to shifting crosswinds at Talkeetna.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-05-02 involved a Cessna 180, registration N74806, at Talkeetna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A shifting left crosswind that varied between a headwind and a tailwind caused the aircraft to ground loop during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07836. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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