On August 24, 2003, a North American AT-6 (registration N37642) was involved in an aviation accident near Omaha, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining aircraft control during the landing roll. Factors were the grass the airplane encountered when the airplane ground looped off the runway and the main gear collapsed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An experimental tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop during landing, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear and substantial damage.
Accident Details
An experimental exhibition tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when its left main landing gear collapsed during a ground loop. The pilot reported making a smooth three-point landing at approximately 1245. During the rollout, the aircraft's right wing rose, and the airplane turned to the right. The pilot was unable to correct the deviation before the airplane slid onto grass. At that point, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the wing and propeller to contact the ground.
Environmental Conditions
The wind at the time was reported as 200 degrees at 8 knots. No other weather conditions were specified.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident. The aircraft was an experimental type, equipped with a tailwheel configuration.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Aug 2003 North American AT-6 accident near Omaha, NE?
An experimental tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop during landing, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear and substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Aug 2003 North American AT-6 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Aug 2003 involved a North American AT-6, registration N37642, at Omaha, NE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot not maintaining aircraft control during the landing roll. Factors were the grass the airplane encountered when the airplane ground looped off the runway and the main gear collapsed.
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…