Aircraft ground loop following takeoff attempt

Casualties unknown • Palouse, WA, US

A pilot attempting to depart a private airstrip experienced an inability to climb, resulting in a ground loop and right wing damage.

What happened

The pilot attempted departure from runway 22 at a private airstrip located in an area characterized by gently rolling hills. During the takeoff roll, there was a light quartering tailwind. The aircraft was unable to achieve a sufficient climb gradient. In an effort to avoid rising terrain, the pilot initiated a gradual right turn and opened the dump gate to reduce the aircraft's weight.

The aircraft subsequently touched down on a hill at the end of the runway, bounced back into the air, and landed while traveling up the next hill. This sequence led to a ground loop that resulted in damage to the right wing.

Weather observations from a reporting facility 7 nautical miles south of the accident site indicated winds of 080 degrees at 14 knots at 0753, increasing to 100 degrees at 17 knots by 0853. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions present in the aircraft during the event.

Probable cause

The aircraft's inability to climb while attempting to avoid rising terrain led to a touchdown on rising ground and a subsequent ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-03-25 Cessna A188B accident near Palouse, WA?

A pilot attempting to depart a private airstrip experienced an inability to climb, resulting in a ground loop and right wing damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-03-25 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N731YZ, operated by Dales Flying Service Inc, at Palouse, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's inability to climb while attempting to avoid rising terrain led to a touchdown on rising ground and a subsequent ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040331X00407. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…