Casualties unknown

2004-11-13: Great Lakes 2T-1A (N502GL) — San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA, US

On November 13, 2004, a Great Lakes 2T-1A (registration N502GL) was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. 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

During a training flight, a CFI demonstrating a forward slip applied brakes on rollout. The airplane turned right, left brake had no response, leading to a ground loop. Post-accident inspection found brakes spongy but operational.

Accident Summary

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a training flight. During the landing approach, the CFI demonstrated a forward slip to lose altitude. The landing rollout proceeded normally until the CFI attempted to slow the airplane by applying light pressure on both heel brakes.

Narrative

As the airplane rolled out, the CFI pressed both heel brakes lightly. The airplane began to yaw to the right. In response, the CFI applied additional pressure on the left brake, but there was no discernible response. The airplane continued to veer right, departed the runway surface, and ground looped. No further control inputs or actions were described as effective in preventing the ground loop.

Post-Accident Examination

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane's brake system following the accident. When the inspector depressed the brakes, he reported that they felt "a little spongy" but were completely operational. The examination did not reveal any definite mechanical failure or blockage.

No probable cause was determined from the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041201X01899. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.