Aircraft destroyed by fire following ground loop during touch-and-go landing

Casualties unknown • Hollister, CA, US

An aircraft was destroyed by fire after a pilot's attempt to execute a go-around resulted in a ground loop and wingtip contact with the ground.

What happened

During a touch-and-go landing, an aircraft entered a ground loop that resulted in its destruction by fire. The pilot reported that after landing, he failed to place the elevator in the full up position. This configuration led to a reduction in directional response from both the steerable tail wheel and the aerodynamic rudder.

As the aircraft began to veer toward the left, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to perform a go-around. This application of power torqued the aircraft into a fully developed ground loop. During the course of the loop, the right wingtip made contact with the ground, causing the wing fuel tank to leak. The leaking fuel was ignited, and the resulting fire consumed the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to place the elevator in the full up position reduced directional control, and the subsequent application of full power during a left veer caused the aircraft to enter a ground loop, leading to wingtip contact and a post-crash fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-06-09 Cessna 180 accident near Hollister, CA?

An aircraft was destroyed by fire after a pilot's attempt to execute a go-around resulted in a ground loop and wingtip contact with the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-06-09 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3343D, at Hollister, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to place the elevator in the full up position reduced directional control, and the subsequent application of full power during a left veer caused the aircraft to enter a ground loop, leading to wingtip contact and a post-crash fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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