Casualties unknown

2004-07-11: Boeing A 75N1 (N56416) — Auburn, CA

Auburn, CA, US

On July 11, 2004, a Boeing A 75N1 (registration N56416) was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot undergoing instruction's overcontrol of the aircraft by his excessive use of the rudder control and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel airplane ground looped during landing roll and came to rest inverted. The pilot undergoing instruction had 347 hours total time, with 40 hours in tailwheel airplanes.

Incident Details

During a landing on runway 25 at a nearby airport, a tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop and ended up inverted. The approach and initial touchdown were normal. During the rollout, the pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) reduced engine power, causing the airplane to veer left. The PUI overcorrected, overpowering the certified flight instructor (CFI), and the airplane turned to the right. The left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest inverted.

Preceding Events

The PUI had recently purchased the airplane. He and the CFI departed from their airport of origin after completing one traffic pattern leading to a successful full-stop landing. The CFI was present to satisfy insurance requirements and to provide instruction. They then proceeded to another airport and set up for the landing on runway 25.

Pilot Experience

The PUI reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. He had accumulated approximately 347 hours of total flight time, including 40 hours in tailwheel-equipped airplanes and 5 hours in the accident airplane.

Weather Conditions

According to the airport manager, winds at the time were about 6 knots, blowing directly down the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040805X01153. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.