On August 9, 1997, a Piper PA-18 (registration N339T) operated by Ingo Hans Brigmann was involved in an aviation accident near Circle, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid willow brush during landing, which resulted in a ground loop, attributed in part to his fatigued state. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft equipped with tundra tires touched down on a short grass strip but struck willow brush, causing a ground loop. The pilot cited fatigue and failure to see the obstacle.
What happened
The airplane, fitted with tundra-type tires, attempted to land on a narrow grass strip measuring 1,100 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Upon touchdown near the beginning of the available landing area, the right wing made contact with willow brush situated along the edge of the field. This impact caused the aircraft to lose directional control and subsequently ground looped.
During post-accident interviews, the pilot explained that he had intended to land at the very start of the usable runway surface. He admitted that he failed to see the willow brush in time to avoid it. Additionally, the pilot noted that he was experiencing fatigue at the time of the operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid willow brush during landing, which resulted in a ground loop, attributed in part to his fatigued state.
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