Casualties unknown

2005-09-19: Stinson 108-1 (N8495K) — Tea, SD

Tea, SD, US

On September 19, 2005, a Stinson 108-1 (registration N8495K) was involved in an aviation accident near Tea, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout which resulted in the encountered 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 student pilot flying solo experienced a ground loop during the landing roll on a second landing attempt, resulting in the right main landing gear collapsing and the right wingtip striking the ground.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during a solo flight by a student pilot. The pilot reported that the first landing was "non-eventful" and the airplane "performed well." The accident happened on the second landing attempt. During the landing rollout, shortly after applying both brakes simultaneously to slow the aircraft, the airplane began "pulling very hard to the right." The pilot stated the pull was so strong that the aircraft began heading toward the side of the runway at about a 35-degree angle from the runway centerline.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported hearing the "squeal of brakes" although he was not applying brakes while the airplane veered to the right. He then applied "hard left rudder" in an attempt to realign the airplane with the runway centerline.

Ground Marks and Damage

The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wingtip impacted the ground. Multiple tire tracks were found on the runway. The initial tire track was consistent with being left by the left main landing gear, arcing to the left. Next, there were two tire track marks arcing to the right, consistent with being left by both the left and right main landing gear. Subsequent ground markings and tire track marks indicated the airplane ground looped to the left, with the right wing striking the terrain and the right main landing gear collapsing under the fuselage.

Brake System Examination

No anomalies were detected with either brake system, and no discrepancies were noted during operational tests.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051107X01799. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.