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Casualties unknown

Airplane Ground Loops During Takeoff Roll After Pilot Overcorrections (CF-JVT)

Brainerd, MN, US

On October 27, 2005, a Piper PA-12 (registration CF-JVT) operated by Thomas Edward Goodwater was involved in an aviation accident near Brainerd, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent brake application during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, the pilot overcorrected directional deviations, leading to a ground loop. The pilot noted failing to ensure his heels were off the heel brakes.

Event Details

The airplane experienced a ground loop while rolling for takeoff. The event occurred during the takeoff run when the pilot applied engine power. The pilot reported that the airplane initially began veering to the left. He then overcorrected to the right, followed by another overcorrection to the left. At that point, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff but was unable to regain directional control before the airplane ground looped to the left.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that he had not ensured his heels were on the floor and off the heel brakes prior to beginning the takeoff roll. He acknowledged that this oversight may have contributed to the loss of control, though no causal determination is made in this report. The pilot's description indicates a sequence of overcorrections that ultimately led to the ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Oct 2005 Piper PA-12 accident near Brainerd, MN?

During takeoff roll, the pilot overcorrected directional deviations, leading to a ground loop. The pilot noted failing to ensure his heels were off the heel brakes.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Oct 2005 involved a Piper PA-12, registration CF-JVT, operated by Thomas Edward Goodwater, at Brainerd, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent brake application during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground loop.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051104X01793. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.