Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loop During Takeoff

Casualties unknown • Mason, MI, US

A pilot experienced a yaw oscillation and subsequent ground loop during takeoff, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest on its wingtip and nose.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the aircraft began yawing to the left as it transitioned onto its main landing gear. In an attempt to maintain directional control, the pilot applied right rudder but subsequently overcorrected with left rudder. This sequence resulted in a continuous yaw oscillation.

As the oscillation continued, the aircraft departed the left edge of the runway. Shortly after leaving the paved surface, the right main gear tire dug into the ground. The momentum caused the airplane to undergo a ground loop to the right. The aircraft eventually came to a stop resting on its nose and its right wingtip. The pilot was not injured.

At the time of the accident, the pilot had 19 hours of total time in this specific aircraft and approximately 255 hours of experience in a similar tailwheel-equipped homebuilt airplane that possessed roughly half the horsepower of the involved aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-11-01 Piper PA-22-20-150 accident near Mason, MI?

A pilot experienced a yaw oscillation and subsequent ground loop during takeoff, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest on its wingtip and nose.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-11-01 involved a Piper PA-22-20-150, registration N5908D, at Mason, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

was the pilot not maintaining control of the airplane. A factor in this accident was the pilots lack of total experience in the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11377. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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