Intentional ground loop prevents excursion during landing

Casualties unknown • Greencastle, PA, US

A pilot intentionally ground-looped an aircraft on a turf runway to avoid colliding with trees after experiencing poor braking action.

What happened

The pilot was performing an approach to a 1,800-foot long, turf runway. As the aircraft passed over the runway threshold, the pilot reduced power; however, the aircraft experienced a float of approximately 1,000 feet down the runway. Following this float, the pilot retracted the flaps before touchdown.

Upon landing, the pilot encountered poor braking action on the turf surface. Noticing that the aircraft was approaching trees located at the end of the runway, the pilot executed an intentional ground loop to prevent a collision. During this maneuver, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing made contact with the runway. The pilot was not injured.

No mechanical malfunctions involving the engine or airframe were reported by the pilot.

Probable cause

The pilot intentionally ground-looped the aircraft to avoid trees after encountering poor braking action on a turf runway following a long landing float.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-31 Piper PA24-250 accident near Greencastle, PA?

A pilot intentionally ground-looped an aircraft on a turf runway to avoid colliding with trees after experiencing poor braking action.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-31 involved a Piper PA24-250, registration N5801P, operated by Claude J. Heffner, at Greencastle, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot intentionally ground-looped the aircraft to avoid trees after encountering poor braking action on a turf runway following a long landing float.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19353. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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