On June 15, 2000, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N4948L) was involved in an aviation accident near Loveland, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot lost directional control during a solo training takeoff, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and ground loop. The incident occurred under calm wind conditions on runway 15.
What happened
During an initial takeoff roll for a student solo training flight, the aircraft departed the side of the runway and subsequently ground looped. This sequence of events resulted in damage to both wings. The pilot reported that he lost control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll.
The wind was from 170 degrees magnetic at 5 knots and the runway used was 15.
The investigation
The pilot had flown 9 hours in the preceding 90 days and 3 hours in the preceding 30 days. No other mechanical issues were cited in the narrative.
Findings
The primary factor was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. The weather conditions were calm with light winds from the south-southeast.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
What happened in the 15 Jun 2000 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Loveland, CO?
A student pilot lost directional control during a solo training takeoff, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and ground loop. The incident occurred under calm wind conditions on runway 15.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jun 2000 Piper PA-28-180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jun 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N4948L, at Loveland, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…