Aircraft ground loop following aborted takeoff

Casualties unknown • Socorro, NM, US

A pilot aborted two consecutive takeoff attempts before the aircraft veered off the runway and underwent a ground loop.

What happened

The pilot initiated a takeoff roll on runway 24 but chose to abort the attempt because the engine did not appear to be developing sufficient power. Following this, the pilot taxied the aircraft to runway 15. To account for the density altitude conditions, the pilot leaned the engine and began a second takeoff roll on the 5,800-foot runway.

During this second attempt, the pilot determined that the aircraft was not reaching adequate speed for takeoff and once again aborted the procedure. During the abort, the airplane veered off the right side of runway 15 and entered a ground loop.

At the time of the event, weather conditions included winds from 210 degrees at 7 knots and a temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a calculated density altitude of 8,000 feet. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot aborted the takeoff roll due to insufficient airspeed, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and ground looping.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-05-06 Stinson 108-3 accident near Socorro, NM?

A pilot aborted two consecutive takeoff attempts before the aircraft veered off the runway and underwent a ground loop.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-05-06 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N6905M, at Socorro, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot aborted the takeoff roll due to insufficient airspeed, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and ground looping.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20991. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…