Ground loop accident involving tailwheel aircraft

Casualties unknown • Waukesha, WI, US

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during its landing rollout, resulting in damage to the left wing.

What happened

During the landing phase at the airport, a tailwheel equipped airplane experienced a ground loop while rolling out on the runway. The pilot had previously performed two stop-and-go landings at a different airport prior to arriving at the accident location.

At the time of the accident, runway 18/36 was closed, and runway 28 was the active runway. The pilot observed that the windsock was pointing straight out, indicating winds from the south, which created a left crosswind component for the landing. During the rollout, the aircraft ground looped to the right, causing the left wing to strike the runway surface.

Approximately 15 minutes before the event, reported winds were 340 degrees at 5 knots. There were no fatalities or injuries reported in this occurrence.

Probable cause

The aircraft ground looped to the right during the landing rollout, causing the left wing to strike the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-08-07 Piper PA-18 accident near Waukesha, WI?

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during its landing rollout, resulting in damage to the left wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-08-07 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N2396J, at Waukesha, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft ground looped to the right during the landing rollout, causing the left wing to strike the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060823X01225. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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