Aircraft ground loop resulting in wingtip strike at Prescott

Casualties unknown • Prescott, AZ, US

A pilot experienced a ground loop during the landing rollout on runway 21L, leading to the right wingtip striking the ground.

What happened

During the landing rollout on runway 21L, the pilot of the aircraft experienced a strong pull toward the right side of the runway. In an attempt to counteract this force, the pilot applied left rudder. Shortly after this maneuver, the airplane turned off the paved surface of the runway to the left. As the aircraft exited the pavement, the right main landing gear wheel dug into the turf. This caused the right wing tip to descend and strike the ground. The aircraft came to its final resting position opposite the direction of the landing.

The investigation

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions involving the engine or the airplane during the flight. Weather conditions at the time of the event, according to the routine aviation weather report issued for Prescott at 1253, indicated variable winds at 4 knots. Prior to landing, the pilot had checked the windsock and observed a southwest wind with some variability in direction. The pilot also noted experiencing moderate turbulence while operating in the traffic pattern.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the paved runway after the pilot applied left rudder to correct a rightward pull, causing the landing gear to dig into the turf and the wingtip to strike the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-06-29 Stinson 108-2 accident near Prescott, AZ?

A pilot experienced a ground loop during the landing rollout on runway 21L, leading to the right wingtip striking the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-06-29 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N8000K, at Prescott, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the paved runway after the pilot applied left rudder to correct a rightward pull, causing the landing gear to dig into the turf and the wingtip to strike the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050711X00978. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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