Intentional ground loop during instructional flight leads to highway excursion

Casualties unknown • Cabot, AR, US

A twin-engine aircraft was intentionally ground looped during a dual instructional flight to avoid crossing a road, resulting in the plane coming to rest in a highway lane.

What happened

During a dual instructional flight, the instructor was at the controls of a twin-engine airplane when the aircraft landed halfway down a 2,640-foot sod runway. As the aircraft approached the east end of the runway, the crew performed an intentional ground loop. This maneuver was executed to prevent the aircraft from crossing a road and colliding with trees.

Following the ground loop, the aircraft exited the left side of the runway, crossed a ditch, and came to a stop in the eastbound lane of a highway. There were no injuries reported following the event.

The investigation

The pilot, who was undergoing checkout in the aircraft, reported that after touchdown, the flaps were retracted and the brakes were applied. According to the pilot, there appeared to be no braking action available; even after pumping the brakes, the issue persisted.

An FAA inspector conducted an examination of the braking system and performed an operational check. The investigation found no preexisting anomalies, and the brakes were determined to be functioning properly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-06-25 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Cabot, AR?

A twin-engine aircraft was intentionally ground looped during a dual instructional flight to avoid crossing a road, resulting in the plane coming to rest in a highway lane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-06-25 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6617Y, operated by Odom Aviation, Inc., at Cabot, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19007. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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